Wednesday, September 9, 2015

SHREM'S DOUBLE TROUBLE: "WINDOW SHADES" - U.S. Girls /// "HOW DO YOU DO IT" - Empress Of


Two unparalleled talents. Two passionate chanteuses. Two artists suffering from ennui of the current pop scene. Two independent singers whose alternative choices are making planet music a better place. While U.S. Girls is getting ready to release her latest album "Half Free" via the cult 4AD in two weeks time, the New York based Empress Of's full length debut "Me" drops by equally impressive Terrible Records in two days time.

I adored U.S. Girls' previous 2 singles the dubby "Damn That Valley" and the electro noir "Woman's Worth" but it's the hypnotising, piano and oriental string laden "Window Shades" which is taking the crown for me out of the three. I am becoming increasingly intrigued by this album with every next unravelled song. One of a kind.

Lorely Rodriguez vel Empress Of captured my heart with the dream pop marvel "Hat Trick" back in 2013 and out of all 4 songs presented to us prior to the release of "Me" - the surprisingly catchy "How Do You Do It?" is by far the most captivating. With the slight change in her musical direction, Empress Of aims for more upbeat, electronic and joyous sounds.

Two excellent tracks.