Just in case you thought I had lost that ability
I urge you to remember this name: Masha Qrella. I found out about Germany's Qrella via a Boomkat Records newsletter that profiled Unsolved Remained, her second and latest album. She's supported Sonic Youth and Calexico, but remains relatively unknown. I know this will change if this excellent album is given more exposure.
Unsolved Remained absorbs in subtle and clever ways. It's mostly acoustic, but electronic wisps and details add intoxicating textures. Particularly beguiling, "I Can't Tell" lifts off with a swooning, sliding guitar, but is given depth with clicks, scratches and pops. Then unexpected fuzzed guitars muscle in and push the track into darker terrains. Surprises like this are offered throughout, never letting the album sink into mundane, routine pop.
Qrella's voice, breathy and sultry, is a beautiful instrument deserving the attention it gets on the album, but the songwriting lets the music breath. Credit must be given to collaborators Rechenzentrum, Henrik Johansson, and ISO 68 for creating perfectly produced songs.
Listen to "Destination Vertical" via Boomkat.
Unsolved Remained, from Morr Music, can be purchased at Boomkat Records.
New Order - Hammerstein Ballroom, May 5th
It's the news I've been waiting for: New Order will play the Hammerstein Ballroom on May 5th. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 1st at 11 AM EST. All of this news comes via New Order Online.
It's no surprise this gig is schedule for Hammerstein. A show at any smaller venue would have been sweet, but of course it would have made it an even tougher ticket. As it is, Hammerstein should sell out almost immediately. Get your refresh finger ready!
Thanks again to New Order Online for keeping us in the know.