A lot of music is contrived for commercial success, which is likely no surprise to many, and that is probably no bad thing if rewards are duly gained for the demonstration of true musical ability. However, there are albums out there that seems altogether more personal when it comes to matters of inspiration but, nonetheless, remain approachable and relatable if somewhat mystical. “Bird or Snake” by Em Spel is one such album.
“Bird or Snake” contains much that is expected of modern music with loops, soundbites and samples very much in evidence yet, despite these marks of modernity, Em Spel still manages to sound like she has dropped in from a time before everything was contract manufactured in the highest quality plastic. Her words, for example, are often oblique and delivered with theatrical intent but all that is here still sounds as if fragments of the seventies female singer songwriter movement and today’s avant garde had been reassembled into an artistic agreement on a suitable compromise that would not offend the ears of today whilst always remaining skewed from the oppressive mediocrity of conventionality. And Em Spel plays the flute throughout. Yes, a flute.
“Bird or Snake” is an album that is eminently tasteful and is one that has much to interest and convince those who are willing to listen to more than just the products of the mainstream machine. I do not often get to describe an album as beguiling but that seems a very appropriate description for this album. Em Spel has cast her spell and I am formally, and inevitably, enchanted.
Available on vinyl from Bandcamp and also from the usual digital places.