Feeder

Opening with the kind of menacing synth line that would not be out of place on a Castlevania video game from the late '80s, the title track to this debut EP from Raisa K soon evolves as a collection of unidentifiable, atmospheric sounds enters the fray. Having previously provided these kinds of soundscapes for the experimental pop of Micachu & the Shapes and rapper DELS, this musical direction is far from surprising, yet there is enough imagination on display to make even a song like "Repetition" -- which is just that -- hold your attention. Raisa K's detached, often deadpan vocals may not provide satisfaction for those looking for sugar-coated hooks, but Feeder certainly proves an addictive listen. The blend of an unmoved delivery and layering of eclectic sounds works well the way it always did for the oddball pop of Broadcast, albeit without quite the same ability to emotionally connect with the listener. Thematically, the lyrics are more a tongue-in-cheek accompaniment helping to create Raisa K's desired abstract experience, typified on "Feeder" ("A chronic satisfier/She'll even spend a week with your mother/To feed your greedy fire"). Meanwhile, the second half of the EP's instrumental direction is best represented on the chopped and sliced guitar samples of "Seasick Sailors," providing a cooling-down period away from the strange imagery and menace of the opening bars. ~ Daniel Clancy