New Albums
ANIKA
Change is afoot on former journalist’s first solo album in 11 years
Change SACRED BONES/INVADA
8/10
Having worked with Geoff Barrow’s Beak> on her 2010 solo album, here Anika moves on from the dub-heavy approach of that record to something more rooted in dark, bubbling electronics merged with dreamy soundscapes. Working with Martin Thulin from her other band, Exploded View, here – as heard on “Critical” – Anika drifts into Broadcast-like territory, combining cosmic pop with her uniquely soothing yet distant vocals. The title track is the album’s most exquisite moment, a swaying, tender ode to the changes we undergo, or don’t, through life, backed by delicate drum taps and gorgeous glistening ripples of electronics. A most welcome return.