Single Reviews: 5 May 2023: Eydís Evensen, Tara Jam, Hudba Lyrika, Bad Flamingo, Neighborhood Libraries
Photo by Inga Seliverstova
Eydís Evensen - Tranquillant
neoclassical
Icelandic pianist and composer Eydís Evensen expertly balances the moody and tense atmosphere of her recent single, "Tranquillant", with cinematic strings, neoclassical piano ponderances, and jazzy wind instrumentation. The track is taken from Evensen's second album, The Light, which was inspired by the dramatic landscape and weather of her habitual Atlantic isle. Despite the irony of titling music that could soundtrack a melodrama The Light, Evensen's writing builds emotive tension to a geyser-like release. Though it may be a platitude, the adage "it's always darkest before the dawn" comes to mind. Here, the pianist stares directly into the darkness, willing streaks of invigorating light to break through grey clouds of pensiveness as if by observation alone.
Tara Jam - DRTY
alternative pop
Torontonian dark pop wizard Tara Jam's recent single "DRTY" showcases a powerful surge of bass tones and crystalline vocals that merge ultrapop ambitions with sinister and complicated deliveries. The track has a dark and sexual kinetic energy that packs a memorable punch. Jam's Zoroastrian-Persian heritage, which emphasizes the importance of spiritual equality between men and women, is brought out in a smooth-as-butter performance that reveals an artist whose message is one of female empowerment. Context aside, this track is full of powerful emotion and stellar production that pack a memorable punch.
Hudba Lyrika - Kobalt
neoclassical
Czech duo Hudba Lyrika weaves curious threads of frosty synths and meditative piano into an alluring veil of sound on their recent single "Kobalt". Although little information is available on the group, it's not surprising given that they only came into existence earlier this year with the equally pretty single "Prolog". They make the kind of elusive music that shifts between coherency and mystery, landing on passages of surprising harshness among the subtlety with perception-shattering profundity.
Bad Flamingo - Mountain Road
americana
Neighborhood Libraries - Sunset at New Brighton
ambient