Anika “In the City”

13 Feb 2013 — Will Stevens

"In The City" sees the return of the compelling collaboration between Anika and Geoff Barrow, with the latter having previously produced Anika’s self-titled debut with his band Beak>. A relationship built around their mutual love for ‘punk, dub and 60s girl groups’, the track is brimming with Barrow’s production aesthetic.

"In The City", a Chromatics cover, is a relatively short track, at only two and a half minutes. But there is much to be admired: Anika’s off-kilter vocals are auspiciously contrasted to a backing track that combines a typical Barrow Krautrock aptitude with some unexpected groove ridden finesse. Anika’s vocals display a similarity to Laetitia Sadier, but that might just be because her vocals always sound so alluring. The track also has an air of pastiche about it, but due to the combination of textures and influences it is able to sound refreshing and unique.

It’s a glorious partnership, which will lead to a self-titled EP released on Stones Throws in April. Highly Recommended.