Review: Clare Perrott’s How Can I Tell You?

Clare Perrott
How Can I Tell You?
Independent

Alt-folk singer-songwriter Clare Perrott has collected an impressive list of accolades across three singles, recording shoutouts from Rolling Stone AU/NZ, triple j, Spotify and Apple Music, and is this week’s triple j Unearthed feature artist. While these endorsements are surely appreciated, Perrott doesn’t need them to confirm that she’s the real deal, with new single How Can I Tell You? speaking for itself.

The ballad opens in a stripped-back indie-folk space, with Perrott’s vocal fluctuating between a floaty falsetto and a conversational return to earth. Instantly, the guitars seem classic, the melodic line driving and the buttery slide section setting the tone. We’re placed somewhere that would soundtrack a cosy romantic montage, ultimately leading with rawness and vulnerability. Sincerity is woven into every lyric, with Perrott excelling in the concise and deeply personal songwriting she’s cited as inspirations: Phoebe Bridgers and Adrianne Lenker.

How Can I Tell You? is a love song to life. Yes, some feelings are left unsaid, but it’s the fact that we have them at all that makes living a privilege. The core refrain thrives in simplicity, but the truth tracks right to the core, wise beyond its years. We live in service of the people we love, and while it takes guts to let them know, we’re all better off for it.

This thesis is slammed home at the bridge, the stacked gang harmonies conjuring scenes of a packed room swaying arm in arm and singing along. Perrott brings understated power to the vocal here, in high contrast to the verses, firing off appeals to speaking one’s mind.

The recognition Perrott has received is more than warranted, and this single is no exception. How Can I Tell You? lends comfort to the listener, understanding the struggle of honesty, but also its impact. It’s warm from top to bottom: sonically, lyrically and humanly.

ABBY GREER