Soap & Skin - Spiracle (Pias)
2/5
By: Dickon Stone
Initially, 'Spiracle' is a gentle child's piano practise; unchallenging and perhaps enjoyably naïve; albeit a tad too simple. Then, Soap & Skin takes this verging-on-pretty piano for a turn for the worst and throws some ghastly shrill screams at you like some kind of banshee has hijacked your ears.
For a moment there, I thought I was in for a treat; making happy connections and comparisons with such female vocalist twinkle greats as Bjork, Au Revoir Simone, Bat For Lashes etc... but alas, Soap & Skin falls somewhat short.
I have listened to 'Spiracle' repeatedly, and I've tried very hard to enjoy it. That's not something you should have to do. Sadly, the shouty layered vocals are just difficult to find... nice. And the accent on the un-scathing flickers of actually light and tender singing remains a little harsh - it's as if a girl who had once had a pretty voice had recently been gargling gravel.
If you manage to block out the harsh bits, I guess it could be quite pleasant. But good luck with that.
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