by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Russian-born and Berlin-based, DJ and producer Soela (Elina Shorokhova) moves to Scissor & Thread for Dark Portrait, an album that represents her response to the impact of the war in Ukraine.

With previous releases for Kompakt, Dial and Shall Not Fade, Soela is well established as a producer on the darker side of electronica, utilising her background as a classical pianist. Over its nine tracks Dark Portrait brings in an impressive guestlist, a combination of instrumental and vocal.

What’s the music like?

Soela’s tracks are carefully thought out and subtly coloured, but carry profound meaning. The tone is set by Unsuitable, a quiet and thoughtful piece of music with inward looking vocals. Through The Windows is also quiet but Francis Harris and Philipp Priebe bring presence, the subtle night-time rhythms making themselves known. Module One’s guest slot, Drowning, adds atmospheric beats and smudges of sound, while Dark Portrait itself has a semi-trancey approach.

The music hovers between deep house, dub and trip hop – but February Is Not Going To Be Forever, featuring Lawrence, has more explicit movement. The most meaningful track is left until last. The Darkest Hour Before Sunrise goes deep, with an especially evocative portrait of that special time of the day, bringing a balance to the end of the album that offers a peaceful outcome.

Does it all work?

It does – though turning up the volume on headphones will help appreciate the more subtle moments Soela finds on the album.

Is it recommended?

It is. Carefully considered and deep, this is a serious but successful foray into the darker side of electronica.

For fans of… Henrik Schwarz, Efdemin, Dani Siciliano, Matthew Herbert

Listen & Buy

Published post no.2,358 – Sunday 10 November 2024