Realm
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The debut album from the Montréal resident, multi-instrumentalist and composer Allison Burik, the pieces here are inspired by women and non-binary characters that relate to folktales, lore and real-world history.
“Be The Dragon” starts the listen with the manipulated sax and waves of ambience making for a highly unpredictable climate, and “As The Norms Weave” follows with soft, wordless singing that’s dreamy and lush with a hint of mystery.
Into the middle, “Seal Folk” drones with moody clarinet that’s quite captivating, while “Solstice II (Cycles)” mesmerizes us with swirling dynamics and atmospheric bouts amid the low sax.
Close to the end, “Birka 581” bellows with a slight ominousness which uses vocals like an instrument, and “Fragment 94” exits with bright guitar from Magdalena Abrego that embraces gorgeous singing in a very intimate demeanor.
A multi-faceted record that makes excellent use of field recordings and sparingly used electronica, each track here is full of exciting and memorable surprises.
Travels well with: India Gailey- Problematica; Leslie Ting- What Brings You In