Description
2019, 12″ LP, 4AD.
When it comes to working with voice and voice alone there’s few artists out there that can really dissociate speech and its connection with the brain. Proto is the third full-length album by composer and sound artist Holly Herndon, and it brings out on onslaught of sounds that will keep you rooted in your seat. Opener “Birth” for example sounds something like a poor soul struggling with the deepest of emotions and most spellbinding of speech impediments. The music embraces rave and extreme cut up techniques with bass music and a myriad of experimental beats, ideas and philosophy. Much like SOPHIE’s music there are so many reference points to discover; with our best comparisons being Enya, Laurie Anderson’s “O Superman” and the cluster of music coming out of experimental label PAN. The album also features a collaboration with Planet Mu’s Jlin with the gnawing beatboxes of “Godmother”. What a trip to redefine what we might one day call ‘prototypical’ – but for now, take a deep breath and dive into the multi-dimensional abyss. – Juno
