A wonderfully innovative, sharp, agile, pace-changing, dynamic postpunk and indie rock debut LP by the London trio of singer-songwriter, and guitarist Anouska Sokolow, bassist Tim Curtis and drummer Yuri Shibuichi. They have a true talent for keeping the listener guessing on style, speed and mood, not only from one song to another, but also within. Opener Hide is full of stop-start, postpunk and proggy moments. Standout single Don’t is punchy and angry, TMJ starts off gently serenely, then rises and falls in mood swings, a candid song about insecurity (“I’m clenching my jaw because I don’t trust anyone!” declares Sokolow), but one that confidently peters out into a gentle and controlled, percussive close. Another standout single, Pretty Girls, is both melancholy and catchy, but also candid, indie pop: “I drink my drink, but alcohol makes me feel sad. I want nothing to do with that.” I Feel That and Ghost meanwhile explore a thrilling variety of instrumental textures, while Sokolow’s singing soars and talking both have definite strength and presence. Throughout the album, all the way to and including the shape-shifting 6-minute closer, Movies, this is a strikingly confident debut, showing very strong, tight-unit musicianship, creative, restless and showing a constant eagerness to surprise. One of the year’s best debuts, they definitely are the real deal. Out on Fat Possum Records.
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