The music of Sondra Sun-Odeon is stark, uncompromising, and full of integrity. The tunes on her newest release, Desyre, out today, are rich with folk touches, and art-rock flourishes. The presence of members of Swans and Espers also is something to recommend this new release on Graveface Records.
"Vision" is nearly light, a showcase for the lovelier aspects of Sun-Odeon's voice, while the simmering title cut here pulses with menace. Similarly, "Roses in the Snow" marches forward with real purpose, the music here nearly goth in its outlook, while "Drowning Man: An Invocation for the Demise of Patriarchy" is similarly purposeful and singularly-minded. Sondra imbues this stuff with real passion, and the hints here of earlier Swans spin-off World of Skin seem apt ones. Like Jarboe before her, Sun-Odeon uses classical forms and post-punk idioms to breathe life into compositions like "Moved by Joy", a haunting number at the end of this album.
Desyre is out today via Graveface Records.
More details on Sondra Sun-Odeon via the official website, or official Facebook page.
[Photo: Anna Aguirre]