16 Aug 2012 — Henning Lahmann
Mara Barenbaum aka
Group Rhoda, who lives in San Francisco, briefly crossed our paths
earlier this year when she provided her delightfully ethereal vocals for the track "No Appointments" by fellow Bay Area artist André Ferreira aka
Bobby Browser, which appeared on a 12 inch released by
100% SILK. Back in January, all Barenbaum had put out so far were a few demos on her
Soundcloud and a couple of other collaborations (allegedly also with SF-based
Tri Angle signees
Water Borders on their sickest track
Waldenpond.com, though I wasn't able to double-check this).
Now, London imprint
Night School Records is about to release her debut full-length
Out Of Time, Out Of Touch, a record of mild, Californian psych pop that's compounded with concepts of stark, classic minimal wave, relying on motorik drum machine grooves and restrained yet urging analogue synth patterns, however supplemented with a countering layer of non-mechanical, pacifying human warmth by means of her clear and distinct, endearing voice. This approach is perfectly visible on album standout and closing track "Fire", which you may listen to exclusively below, with its propulsive rhythm and Barenbaum's gorgeously crystalline, masterfully processed vocals.
Out Of Time, Out Of Touch will be out towards the end of August. Pre-order now
over here.
Check out some more album tracks below, and don't miss out on the particularly stunning "At the Dark".
