A masterwork of minimalism, WINTER LADY - Alicia Merz's sophomore solo effort as BIRDS OF PASSAGE sees a return to the desolate and melancholic soundcscapes of her highly acclaimed debut, WITHOUT THE WORLD. With WINTER LADY, Alicia presents us with an endearing invitation into her fragile world, a captivating journey through the landscapes of her emotional euphoria and agony, a further commitment to musical experimentation, a worthy addition to the oeuvre of BIRDS OF PASSAGE.
The cold minimalist-drones, distorted field recordings, and sparse instrumentation, illustrate an icy, desolate and dark world. It's as if we are listening to the sound of winter itself; an audio exposure to the unforgiving elements of winter.
With allusions to dark-pop and classic broken-folk, the reverb drenched instrumentation, metaphorical fairytale lyrics, and anti-climactic compositions remind us that Alicia Merz is a singer songwriter for people who don't like singer songwriters.
10" single: released December 17, 2011 on Denovali / cs released March 1, 2012 on Sweat lodge Guru
(for signed physical copies please use the contact form)
TAPE: limited to 100 pro-dubbed pieces. Sold Out 10'' SINGLE: thick covers, free mp3 download code, 150 pieces on clear vinyl w/ grey haze, 350 pieces on black vinyl Buy
DIGITAL ALBUM: Immediate download of highwaymen in midnight masks in your choice of 320k mp3,
FLAC etc.. Buy
HIGHWAYMEN IN MIDNIGHT MASKS, with it's foreboding atmosphere, minimalist composition, and fairytale lyrics, is a 'Bittersweet Swan Song' that bares the characteristics of a true classic, albeit with a sense of post-modern descent.
On the B-side to this stunning single is FORBIDDEN LOVE: a collaboration with prolific artist, AIDAN BAKER (NADJA, INFINITE LIGHT LTD).
The track juxtaposes Alicia's harsh distorted guitars, with an ethereal flute drone courtesy of Baker. This unassuming contrast of polar opposites has visceral consequences.
Alicia's signature vocals sit on top, telling a story of a dark love affair, while Baker's vocal sits below - reduced to an ambient mantra. The result: a 'Gregorian Chant' for fans of acid drenched drone, a 'Post, Post-rock' love song of epic proportions, a lyrical journey of exploration in to the philosophical depravities of The Marquis de Sade, and finally a mere taste of what's to come on the BIRDS OF PASSAGE forthcoming solo Lp, WINTER LADY.
(for signed physical copies please use the contact form) VINYL: limited to 300 pieces in 3 different colors;
thick gatefold sleeves; 180g vinyl; book of poetry 'a garden of secrets' written by Alicia Merz, illustrated by Bruno
Merz.Sold Out
CD: matte triple gatefold digipak cover, with original artwork by Bruno Merz. Buy
DIGITAL ALBUM: Immediate download of without the world in your choice of 320k mp3,
FLAC etc. Buy
"Without The World
combines synthetic and natural drones with delicately lush vocals to
create an eerie and absorbing atmosphere. The tone is
simultaneously calming and unsettling, like the nervous
experience of sailing a quiet river in dense fog." - The Silent Ballet
"...It is an album that would equally please fans of Aidan Baker or thisquietarmy as those of Sigur Ros..." - Fluid Radio
(for signed physical copies please use the contact form)
VINYL:
thick gatefold covers & thick white inner sleeves, comes with a
free mp3 download code. 100 pieces on 180g clear vinyl w/ red splatter,
200 pieces on 180g clear vinyl. Buy
CD: special thick cardboard inner and outer sleeves. Buy
DIGITAL ALBUM: Immediate download of Dear and Unfamiliar in 320k mp3. Buy