Just a few days ago, I had the fortune of being introduced to the music of
Clara Engel, an up and coming Canadian Singer/Songwriter with a dark and evocative mood. Her voice is unabashed in expressing desire and yearning as she shares her intimate poetry with her audience of listeners. The release of her recent EP, Madagascar on the UK based
Vox Humana Records Label, combines three songs from her previously self-released albums. The new EP shows a range of vocal ability and songwriting styles. The first song, "Accompanied By Dreams" is among the heart wrenching songs that Engel has called her own, showing a vulnerability with simple acoustic accompaniment. In forward longing, "Blind Me" features an electric guitar and the androgynously soothing voice of Engel. As the song picks up, in a gradual build of desperation, a chorus of voices and percussion are added to the mix to prolong the intensity. The title song, "Madagascar" is the most abrasive vocally. However, this abrasive sound coupled with deliberate drum beats on the toms, crying horn parts, and near death cries from Engel are intriguing if not puzzling as Engel sings poetry of her "Angel from Madagascar".
At the age of 27, she has released a total of 6 albums and she is currently seeking funds for a 7th album on
Kapipal. Engel is an artist worth listening to and exploring. With puzzling lyrics and a wide range of emotions, Engel's catalogue is a testament to her commitment to exploration of unspeakable emotions. Her new single,
"Lick My Fins" can be downloaded for free on her
bandcamp page, where her other albums can be purchased and streamed. With its infectious, almost tribal drum beat, wailing vocals, straining horns, and strings that hold intensity, the calm chords of the guitar provide a beautiful contrast in this perplexing song of wanting.
I hope to keep exploring this and intriguing artist and her range from the heart wrenching to the intriguing to the slightly disturbing.
Peace.Love.Music.
Kara Ali
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