Semi Songs
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
The brainchild of Italian native and current Los Angeles resident Sofia Hultquist, as Drum & Lace she brings sampled field recordings, plenty of synth and moments of contemporary electronica on this very unusual and alluring spin on classical music.
“Outsider Complex Part 1” gets the EP started off with a dizzying display of jarring classical sounds before a calmer setting enters of strings and keys, and “Parhelion” follows with a moody atmosphere where a cinematic quality of cascading beauty winds between the cellos and violin.
The last two tracks follow a similar course, including the sparse opening of “Gardenia” that, in its 14 minute duration, offers twinkling keys amid a soulful ambience that unclassifiable, and “Outsider Complex Part 2”, which ends the listen with a bouncy approach where the strings dance and the keys ruminate with a thoughtful spirit.
Although she has primarily worked in the area of film, this debut penned for two cellos, violin, piano and electronics proves that Hultquist absolutely should be devoting her time to formal albums, too, as her eclectic and captivating skill is impossible to deny.
Travels well with: Sound X Sound-Music For 8 Recorders; Lost In The Trees-A Church That Fits Our Needs