The Winds
Kite Stripe, 2025
9/10
The recording moniker of Heather Styka, as Selken the Chicago songwriter pens 10 songs of pop, alt-rock and indie-rock ideas.
The warm and dreamy spirt of “Perseids” starts with Styka’s inviting voice alongside gentle melodies and firm drumming, and the title track follows with Jake Hawrylak’s flowing drums that suit the colorful and poetic delivery.
“Working Doubles” and “Continental Drift” land in the middle. The former benefits from JG Shadid’s cozy keys that align with eloquent singing, while the latter is an intimate duet that unfolds with much beauty in its heartfelt and rich presence.
Getting close to the end, “People In Love” tugs on the heartstrings via the sweet singing and ambience, and “Peggy Lee” exits with sophisticated piano and relatable storytelling.
Styka employs synth and cathartic moments, which adds to the sonic appeal that stems off her solo folk albums with meticulous layers and an unclassifiable atmosphere.
Travels well with: Megan Bee- Fiction; Fox Run Five- Holding Out Hope