Grimes
Visions
4AD
Visions is described by the record label as “a phantasmic state for the deep listener, sourcing the long forgotten spells running alongside humans for centuries and forcing them through a hyper-futuristic filter”. The PR might be a bit rubbish, but this 12-track album from prolific artist Grimes (aka Claire Boucher) is anything but.
Beth Jean Houghton & the Hooves of Destiny
Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose
EMI
Despite a penchant for wearing animal suits, funny hats and fake moustaches, Beth Jeans Houghton and her band The Hooves of Destiny can’t be dismissed as trendy hipster-fodder. Over a relatively standard indie background of noodling guitars and clattering drums, Houghton’s voice (distinctly English, in an old-fashioned way) sings melodies the likes of which may not have been heard since the 1960s folk revival.
The Amazing
Gentle Stream
Subliminal
Shimmering guitars are reminiscent of light playing on the water, Gunrup’s voice floats like a spring leaf in an eddy, and cymbal chimes drift like a warm breeze.