7"
Smoke and mirrors shenanigans at work here as the anonymous mononymous Grace debuts with a two track 7” that might or might not be released on Stroom (for whatever reason, they’re not taking ownership at this point) and with absolutely no additional accompanying context. If we’re being played, then at least it’s consistent with the music, the kind of reverb-heavy, midnight-lit dreampop that favours mystery, suggestion and the unknown. Even if Stroom are keeping a distance at this point, the A side is certainly well in line with the label’s general aesthetic, though leaning more towards the side of their ‘pop’ sensibilities than their more outre urges. The B is perhaps more telling, a cover of Psychic TV’s legendary ‘The Orchids’, a rare moment where their transgressive, radical impulses met a strange tenderness. While we wait to find out more about who Grace is, it’s the language of others that offers a promising indication on where we might end up next.
FFO: Cate Kennan, Jabu, Yana Pavlova, Milan W
