Rating: NNN
Kellarissa (Finnish for “in the basement”) is Larissa Loyva, a former member of two popular Vancouver bands, the quirky and melodious P:ano and the hipster choral outfit the Choir Practice. Her solo debut, Flamingo, draws from both of these. The production has a hushed recorded-in-the-bedroom-after-midnight quality, and the songs – the first half, at least – are catchy, haunting and succinct. Loyva’s voice, steady and assured, often accompanied by looping organ or piano lines, is the focus.
The songs on the second half are Björk-esque choral experiments where Finnish sometimes replaces English, accordion replaces keys, and meditative dirges replace memorable pop. Coming near the end, these inaccessible tracks threaten to leave listeners behind. In time, Loyva will surely merge this fascinating duality more seamlessly, making her an artist to watch.
Top track: I’ll Sing Of Kings
