Review: Ella Thompson - Dandelion (Mr Bongo)

More SOUL that's echoes Northern but it's from the deep south; yep Australia's Ella Thompson is at it again! 

After Ella's 'Ripple On The Wing' album (see review HERE) a while back and the surprise Mr Bongo 7" 'Promise to Keep / Change of Heart (see review HERE), here's another tease release from the Naarm/Melbourne-based vocalist, musician, and songwriter from the forthcoming album 'Triumph & Sadness' with a brand new single ‘Dandelion’. 

High in energy and attitude, it’s an irresistibly hooky psych funk nugget, doused in Ella’s silky, heartfelt vocals. Featuring a selection of artists from the city’s much-championed DIY independent scene, including members of Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo, there’s a beat-heavy, psychedelic feel to the track, infused with Ella’s sweet soul tones.

Co-written and co-produced by Liam McGorry from Temporary Blessings (College Of Knowledge), ‘Dandelion’ is a magnetic head nodder, driven by the slick drumming of Hudson Whitlock and Tom Pettit’s infectious bass grooves. Timpani fills and a punchy, instantly sampleable horn line add that cinematic Chef-styled touch to proceedings.

The song speaks of a search for truth in a relationship that has lost its way. Inspired by the contradiction between a dandelions bitter taste and beautiful flower, Ella asks do we fear what caring too much will do? “How much detachment is needed to ride the highs and lows without numbing the nerve? We want truth yet reach for illusion” she mentions.

Ella owns this track; there is power in the vocal delivery when needed, and restraint as required. It’s a song that is instantly memorable in its emotive anthemic power, further showcasing why Ella is rightly regarded as one of the leading lights in contemporary soul.

Cutting the track direct-to-tape is just one of the touches of class that firm local favourite Henry Jenkins brings to the recording and engineering of ‘Dandelion’. Henry also joins Ella and Liam as co-producer and Daptone / The Womack Sisters collaborator Wayne Gordon is drafted in to provide a brilliant mixdown. Together they authentically capture the live energy of some of the finest talent that Naarm/Melbourne has to offer, with Ella delivering a delectable and poignant taste of what’s to come on Triumph & Sadness.

Released in collaboration with College Of Knowledge, Australia.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://bfan.link/dandelion-13

Artist: Ella Thompson

Title: Dandelion 

Release Date : 7th July, 2026

Label : Mr Bongo Records

Catalog Number : MRB354BTI08

Format: Digital / Bandcamp