Olympic Girls

Olympic Girls, the third studio album by Tiny Ruins (the project of New Zealand songwriter Hollie Fullbrook), represents a peak in the band's evolution toward a more collaborative and sonically rich chamber folk sound. Recorded with her long-standing bandmates, the album moves away from the starker minimalism of her debut toward a sound that incorporates subtle psychedelic flourishes and sophisticated rhythmic interplay. Lyrically, Fullbrook leans into mythological and architectural themes, referencing Persephone and design schools with equal poetic weight. The production, handled by Tom Healy, emphasizes a dry, intimate 'in-the-room' feel that has become a hallmark of the NZ indie-folk scene. Critically, it was lauded for its literary depth and Fullbrook's singular ability to make small observations feel monumental. It stands as a definitive document of contemporary antipodean folk, bridging the gap between traditional songwriting and avant-garde sensibilities.