Lupa J
The Seed
September 18 2014 (Digital)
8/10
Words: Dave Beech
Having a background in more traditionalist or classical forms of music isn't really necessary in this day and age, especially when the loose and clattering garage rock of the likes of Royal Blood is viewed with the esteem it is. This matters not to Sydney's Lupa J however, who in 12 months has broken free of her orchestral chrysalis, spread her wings and emerged with a repertoire of icy, Grimes-inspired electronica; harbouring an inherent darkness which suggests a maturity beyond her years. Did we mention she was just 16?
With her debut single 'Statues' having been met with critical acclaim back in June, it seems this, her debut EP, is likely to follow suit; its five tracks each atmospheric and beautifully understated, harbouring a rich vein of melancholy running throughout. Lupa's foray in to the world of electronica doesn't mean she's left behind her orchestral roots, instead incorporating her violin to work in tandem with the crisp percussion and understated synth loops, making for a particularly compositionally interesting record.
'Eyes Unclouded' begins on a sharp, staccato opening; a rich vocal and reversed synth giving the track an unusual texture. 'Virus', however, is a fuller sounding, darker affair driven by hand claps and a layered, haunting backing harmony, completed by a late appearance from Lupa's violin.
Everything about 'The Seed' is understated and there's very little in the way of instrumentation. As such, those moments which do swell seem to come out of nowhere, bursting with life and turning an otherwise icy palette technicolour. Not once does the record feel thin though, an impressive feat given how little of what's at her disposal Lupa's used, and one which suggests her prowess a musician, even outside the orchestral field. Yes, the record might well draw comparisons to many of the other artists doing something similar, but her orchestral background, and the inclusion of the violin, give her an edge over her contemporaries. And whilst she might not have truly found her sound just yet, the promise shown by 'The Seed' is enough to make us very excited about what's to follow.
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