Feel it Break by Austra
LABEL: Domino Recording Co.

Austra’s debut album, Feel It Break, is an album I’ve bumped to the top of my listening list. At first, when trying to classify it, I thought of the Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, and even Kate Bush and Depeche Mode’s earlier albums in the layering and production. It boasts dark, beat-heavy, keyboard-bright tunes coated with a gothic tinge, yet hints of much more; something edgy lurking beneath a glossy substratum.

“‘Beat and Pulse,’ as well as ‘Spellwork,’ are perfect examples of the striking range and chill-inducing power the lead vocalist holds over the listener.”

Front woman Katie Stelmani’s mesmerizing vocals ride on an underbelly of tempestuousness, observation and isolation. A sparkly innocence conveyed through the keyboard’s constant brightness fades away after repeat listens, the songs growing on you the more you delve in. The beats compel compulsive listening and even dancing—similar to when Goldfrapp put out Supernature and I wanted to listen to it over and over again.

“Darken Her Horse,” is the beginning song on the album and the first I would pick if I were to share the band with a friend. The vocals have a cathedral hall sound over a warbling synth; they build momentum slowly, horse-hoof-like drums not kicking in until quite some time has passed. Eventually, vocal harmonies edge the song up to an intensity that sends chills down your spine. Subsequent songs on the album run steeply along on the course emblazoned by driving beats and keyboard loops, accentuating chimes and vibrato-tinged vocals throughout: “nothing stable/nothing patient here.”

The singing on “Lose It” is reminiscent of a darker Enya, with layered vocals pulling your mind in multiple directions at once. “The Future” has a classical-sounding piano hook running throughout and lyrics include “I came so hard/in your mouth/I saw the future/it was dark.” “Beat and Pulse,” aptly named, contains harmonies like powerful bells ringing over a backdrop of steady hard-hitting electronic drums and keyboard. “Beat and Pulse,” as well as “Spellwork,” are perfect examples of the striking range and chill-inducing power the lead vocalist holds over the listener. The lyrics are gloomy, “If yesterday hurts, tomorrow is worse.”

I found myself picking quite a few favorites including “Darken Her Horse,” “Beat and the Pulse,” “The Future” and “Spellwork.” I foresee a bigger buzz ahead, and an album that will not drop into obscurity. Though the music sounds similar to New Wave genres that have way since past, I am sure it will be welcomed by many who yearn for those days to come back.


REVIEWED BY KYRSTEN BEAN
KYRSTEN’S FAVORITE TRACKS: “Darken Her Horse” • “Spellwork” • “Beat and the Pulse”
Kyrsten Bean is a freelance writer, a musician and a photographer.

FREE MP3: “The Beat and the Pulse” (right-click & save)