The first time we came across New Zealand’s ALDOUS HARDING was when we saw her play at the Great Escape, Brighton #TGE2015. When we listened attentively, we could hear post-rock sounds, like Portishead and Pixies, inside an acid-folk exterior jacket
Her utterly beautiful 2017 album, “Party” is charming, moving and introspective. And the compositions were harmonically similar to the Calgary coffee-house era Joni Mitchell.
Now her latest song, “The Barrel” [shared below] is released, and taken from the forthcoming album “Designer” which is set for release via 4AD/Flying Nun on 26th April 2019. The album includes some stellar contributions from the likes of: Huw Evans (H. Hawkline), Stephen Black (Sweet Baboo), drummer Gwion Llewelyn and violinist Clare Mactaggart.
“The Barrel” is an exuberant emanation of slow movement… a radiant mousse of velvet theater and generosity given in copper tones. There’s a given impression, found in the oddly shaped tones, that Aldous can be soft and adorable, but, if rubbed the wrong way… will become hellishly black-catish. Watch and you’ll see…
The yawning strings add a soulful touch and the rhythms, with simple keyboard, add charm.
This is hypnotizing.
Words: @neilmach 2019 ©
Link: https://www.facebook.com/AldousHarding/