EMA - New Music "Introducing"

http://cameouttanowhere.com/

Came outta nowhere is the title of her blog and EMA (real name Erika M. Anderson and formerly part of a duo called Gowns according to her bio.) literally did for me, I stumbled across her music thanks to the excellent Quietus and an article written in January - why it took me till the end of March to read is my typical time-based problems...

Anyway, she has a two track single (although at over 23 minutes long it could be constituted an EP) available to purchase the single in iTunes now and after listening to it below, you'd be a fool not too.

"The Grey Ship" exhibits the same sort of craft that PJ Harvey did with 'Dry', variable structures and incredible guitar playing creating a heartfelt, raw and intimate ambience. The first half of "The Grey Ship" is like sailing in a melancholic but blissful, tranquil ocean that suddenly crashes in a thunderstorm during the second half with a throbbing bass introduction which continues with over-amped guitar rackets, crazed violin and thumping drums, when it gets down & dirty it's truly brilliant.

The B-side cover of Robert Johnson’s "Kind Heart" is the sort of song that words of useless for, it's far, far too good for my inane praise. At 16 (to coin the videprinter SIXTEEN) minutes in length it goes near the top of the longest tracks in my entire library, although not quite as long as the 21.38 12" version of Prince's "America". It uses its time wisely, creating a breathtaking voyage. From it's minimal, sparse beginnings with haunting and eerie vocals to its explosive peaks where you hear bluesy riffs full of grungy reverb and energy which suddenly crash back to a hush, all drenched in beautiful feedback and carried by a wonderful vocal that at times wails and howls and at others is a whispering beauty. If you are scared of a sixteen minute track sample the nine and a half minute peak of thrashing drums and guitars for an idea of the blissful noise.

If this isn't in my end of year favourite lists then fuck me, we are in for some year. (It will be!).

Listen below:
EMA - The Grey Ship

EMA - 'Kind Heart'

Debut UK shows have also been announced, TGE has one more essential act!:
May 11 The Macbeth, London
May 12 Cargo, London
May 13 Islington Mill, Manchester
May 14 The Great Escape, Brighton

An album 'Past Life Martyred Saints' is due in May via Souterrain Transmissions and I have gotta hear that soon! You can order it via Rough Trade with a four-track bonus CD and I've already done just that!
Here is the first video from it, "California", another raw, feedback bathed number, a new favourite I have found:


EMA - California (Official Video) from Souterrain Transmissions on Vimeo.