EERA
Speak (Just Dust)
Public Service Broadcasting by name, Public Service Broadcasting by nature. Not content with offering EERA, aka Berlin-based artist Anna Lena Bruland, a guest slot on their latest LP Bright Magic, contributing ice maiden vocals to early 80s club music homage People, Let’s Dance, PSB took her on tour and gave her a platform on which to perform. EERA’s new album Speak is the sound of the Norwegian seizing her opportunity in the spotlight with both hands.
As the titles of Speak‘s opening pair – Solid Ground and Falling Between The Ice – hint, Bruland’s second album as EERA flits between self-assuredness and uncertainty, the material and the insubstantial. The songs operate in the creative grey areas and liminal spaces between synthpop, grunge and shimmering shoegaze.
Single Ladder writes lovestruck Valentine’s cards to My Bloody Valentine, but it’s Bruland’s capacity for springing a surprise that really captivates – whether that’s transforming a run-of-the-mill indie strum along into something transcendent on Unset Truths or suddenly plunging the listener into pitch-black on The Beat or the title track.
words BEN WOOLHEAD