Selci/Land Of Talk
Selci
A Soft Place // Independent
A strong, pulsing beat; tinkling, phased keys dance from left ear to right, and back again; small electronic echoes find their way into the mix; a bass line, a drop-off—cue Selci: “A heart is a soft place”. Selci’s thesis statement comes loud and clear in track one, filling the room with a sedating fog, inviting you to relax and listen close; mixing enticing dance beats with angelic vocals, Selci is so easy to trust, inviting listeners to sink into this soft place with her, surrendering stress and anxieties, and truly losing yourself to the music.
Selci is not shy to infuse these classic beats with fiery emotions, showing the power her voice truly holds by alternating between powerful belted lines and delicate runs. In some ways this EP seems like the most familiar R&B, but in other ways, this music feels completely new; perhaps it’s her ability to deal with vulnerable subjects in a catchy, celebratory way as she does on “Body Worship”. This track, featuring ZHE, details the ever-too-familiar journey from body shame and hate to body love, with Selci taking it a step further into the sacred, finally learning the feelings of peace and oneness that come from truly feeling at home in one’s body.
“Hide Forever” sinks us even further down into this soft place, moving almost in slow-motion through Selci’s thoughts on her new normal, which seems to be hiding away in her bed, forever. However, where most artists may be tempted to draw conclusions and resolutions about spending all day in bed, Selci is perfectly comfortable to live in this feeling for as long as it takes; while the world might be full of negative things ready to drag her down, Selci celebrates that her room is in the clouds—a safe, ethereal place where she can float away.
Selci’s talent as a producer really shines through on “Live Your Light”, perfectly mixing synths over a smooth beat that create a perfect atmosphere for Selci and featured artist Seyblu to let their harmonies dance wherever the song takes them.
The final track of the album, “Bein’ Alone”, starts off with more than a minute of instrumental techno/house feels, really giving the listener an opportunity to process all they’ve just heard, and transition back into a place of dance dreams, upbeat energy, and just pure joy. Repeatedly we hear the phrase “what you gonna do when you bein’ alone”, almost as if Selci is pushing us into celebration with her, considering all the ways we can choose to worship ourselves. This song just feels good. This album just feels good. And I think, that’s just as Selci was intending. With a title and opening song like “A Soft Place”, there’s a lot to live up to, yet, Selci truly succeeds at inviting listeners into this soft place, taking us on a full journey of accepting our own joy, relaxation, safety, and self-love. Put on this album and let Selci’s words be your guide—grab a class of merlot, something to smoke, and float away in your room in the clouds.
- Lana Winterhalt
Land Of Talk
Indistinct Conversations // Dine Alone
Do you ever people watch? Or do you ever sit quietly observing and listening to the world around you? Listening to the sounds of birds, nature, or even just overhearing bits and pieces of people’s conversations. It is being mindful; when you quiet the mind enough to take in everything and be in that moment. It’s a meditation, or a time of quiet introspective thoughts that float like the clouds drifting by. Some of the things that the new album by Land of Talk reminds me of.
Indistinct Conversations is a dreamy, introspective album of self discovery. Heartfelt and chalked full of feeling. This album is different than their others. Elizabeth Powell really stepped into her power with this time around. She’s a songbird with a unique sound paired with a raw guitar. I can only compare her to the likes of Suzanne Vega, Joni Mitchell or Stevie Nicks. Mark ‘Bucky’ Wheaton provides the clean crisp drums and Christopher McCarron brings a solid bass to the album. Dine Alone records released this gem of an album and a great one to get lost in. Perfect for a day of lounging, comfy and cozy. A great album for listening to outside at a park or on the train, or at your favourite coffee shop. Are we allowed to go sit and have coffee anymore? Not sure on the restrictions where you are reading this, but that’s what I envision.
‘Look To You’ opens with a simple, beautiful intro. The conversations in the background let you be the fly on the wall. The track itself has a great use of tempo changes and I really dig the drumming style! Powell’s vocals and harmonies are soft wispy and angelic. It’s very Vega and a little Amos.
‘Weight of the Weekend’ leaves the imagination to wonder what happened that weekend? Must be more than a hangover. “Never want to be unprepared,” the control freak in me likes that phrase. It’s light and breezy with dreamy vocals and gorgeous natural guitar tones.
‘Footnotes’ has an eye of the beholder feel. “I’ll be there night after night” can be interpreted how you like... is it loneliness or a friend and companion? To me it feels like a sign of reassurance from a friend or family member that has passed away but stays with you in spirit. The ties of love that bind not even death can sever. Reminds me I’m not alone. Sounds like some Princess Bride quote.
‘Indistinct Conversations’ I had to mention for that fly on the wall feeling once again. This songs features bits and pieces of phone conversations put to music. Leaves you wanting to know the rest of the story. Reminds me of some time I spent in the Yukon. To make a phone call from where we were staying was like a party line. You’d hear parts of other people’s conversations, people could hear your conversation too! Everyone kept it clean if you know what I mean.
The new album, Indistinct Conversations, by Land of Talk to put simply is raw, humble, and minimalistic. It radiates a natural beauty. Nothing fake about it! Truly Authentic!
Green Noreen
