As part of cult band Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon pioneered a sound: rasping, post-punk music that presaged much of the indie rock that reverberates off the airwaves today. Her first solo album owes much to the band, too: discordant and at times surreal and nihilistic, it’s an exhilarating mixture.
Opener Sketch Artist is a madcap, though technically accomplished arrangement: strings compete with a throbbing bassline and Gordon’s distinctive west coast vocals (half sung, half spoken). Much of the album is macabre and dreamlike (if the dream were closer to a nightmare).
Air BnB is a slightly bewildering anti-establishment rant that does seem to be about the online home rentals company. Paprika Pony is a more “commercial” offering. With its dreamy, languid feel, it sounds a bit like the soundtrack to 4am at the Chateau Marmont.
Sonic Youth fans will delight in the nostalgia; younger indie fans will be awed by the authenticity.
