Sometimes we stumble upon artists whose works shimmer across the societal chasms, the chimera-like sonic visage a figurative bridge to another world. Algorithms drive and divide us on every front these days, with the automated-discovery systems feeding us what the formula presumes we want. It’s why, when applied to music, many fans prefer one streaming service over another; the idea of seeking out new sounds themselves, of drilling into the new release sections and clicking play on a song or album that falls outside the parameters of their favored playlists seems like too much effort. They prefer spoon-fed finds over left-field surprises.
I’d recommend that they, and everyone, check out Chicago-based alt-folk singer-songwriter Em Spel, whose forthcoming album, Bird or Snake, is a sublime set. I’ll have more to say about it closer to its release on March 27, but for now: It’s one of a handful of albums that’s distracted me from yesteryear favorites during my semi-sabbatical this past month-plus. “Geographic,” the lead single, is out today. It leans on autotune at its start, with Spel’s rubbery background vocals bouncing from the grooves like unwanted pop-up ads, while her warm lead vocals serve as something akin to ad blockers. It’s very cool.
She explains in the press release, “Sometimes a song fragment writes itself and gets stuck in your head. That’s what happened to me with ‘Geographic’ – something about that opening cadence grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. There’s the concept of a ‘digital world’ that existed five, ten years ago, and then there’s whatever we have now. This is a song for everyone who is constantly bombarded by ads, by algorithms, by a million screens vying for your attention.”
In addition to singing, Spel—who also produced—plays the flute, keyboards and stylophone, while Dustin Laurenzi handles a smooth saxophone, Katie Ernst plucks bass guitar, Brian Deck thumps the drums, and Eric Ridder contributes percussion.
The Old Grey Cat 