Liberating, refreshing, eccentric, with a playfully light touch and flourishes of flute and feminist theory garnish this solo debut by the singer who works with Holly Herndon singer and is half of Italian synth new wave duo Itaca. Albertine grew up in Kreuzberg during the fall of the Berlin Wall and records in nearby Neukölln – so her influences are rich, from her post-punk heroine Viv Albertine from the Slits to the vocal experimentalism of tune-yards’ Merrill Garbus. It is Sarges’ vocal playfulness that stands out most of all. Free today opens with a quote from feminist writer Sara Ahmed, with this and second track The Girls the obvious single choices. Musings bisexuality, gender stereotypes, depression and mental health fill the album, from which the third track Beat Again, drops to a slow, but more beautiful sound and tempo. On Stille she sings in German, while Fish and Post Office are particularly lovely, while closing track Roller Coaster naturally jumps between fuzzy indie guitar and softer sounds, coughing, screams and laughter. Out on Moshi Moshi, the album can also be bought via Bandcamp.
Feel free to also check out our favourite albums of 2020 here:
Fiona Apple to Lianne La Havas to Yves Tumor: favourite albums of 2020 – Part 1
Agnes Obel to Bob Dylan, Phoebe Bridgers to Sault: favourite albums of 2020 – Part 2
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