Sonae - Far Away Is Right Around the Corner (2015)

Cologne’s Sonae has been recording since 2007, but Far away is right around the Corner (Monika Enterprise, 23 February) is her first full-length. It’s an absolutely gorgeous set that makes good on the promise of her 2-track 2012 EP Cologne on A Strangely Isolated Place. That EP set the stage for the new work by laying down a blanket of piano, bells, static and rain. Only one of the tracks (“Urban Cruising”) contained drums. Listeners new to the artist should expect that they will be used when needed, but not always. The new album begins in ambience, with the sweet kiss of “Gewitterspaziergang” followed by the caress of the title track. The drums hold off until the fourth track. Not until her remix of Distanz’ “Cio D’or” (originally recorded as part of a theatre production) does the deep electronic nature of this release become apparent. These patches are meant to enhance, not to dominate. The cover art belies a deep sadness, but Sonae keeps it in check, content to paint in melancholic hues without drenching the mood. On the spectacular “Überwindung”, she ties it all together, wrapping a ribbon of texture around a gift box of beeps and bass. Learn her name now.