Album Review: Jenny Hval - Blood Bitch
By Gabe Dooley, Contributor
[Sacred Bones; 2016]
Rating: 8/10
Key Tracks: "Female Vampire," "Untamed Region," "The Plague"
Blood Bitch is the new studio release from Norwegian, avant-garde, singer-songwriter Jenny Hval, who, in the past, has worked under the moniker Rockettothesky. This album features the work of noise producer Lasse Marhaug, whose collaboration with Hval results in a captivating series of tracks that are as subtle as they are thought-provoking.
Honestly, it could possibly take more than one listen to truly delve into this project. Upon first glance, it could be passed off as just another slow, airy, boring piece of artsy music. However, if close attention is paid, one could easily be sucked in by the characteristic nuances of this work of artistry. The production on this record is mesmerizingly atmospheric and rich with detail. Jenny's voice is gentle and inviting, making for a very immersive listen.
While Hval's unique voice and Marhaug's textured production make for a very sonically intricate project, the real depth of the album presents itself with Hval's lyricism, which touches on themes of individualism, feminism, gender identity and of course, vampires. Being an album as avant-garde as it is, the lyrics often find themselves rather vague, so as to be up for interpretation. Regardless, Hval is very effective in making her lyrics as relevant to vampires as they are to feminism, and with her hazy ethereal delivery, her vocal performance finds itself extraordinarily soulful and emotional.
Jenny Hval's melodies are touching and memorable, and her lyricism is as provoking as it is abstract, making Blood Bitch easily worth many listens for those willing to delve into something as left-field as this album.
