Annika Hendersons self-titled debut remains in heavy rotation here at the Lab office in 2021, 11 years after its joint release on Invada and Stones Throw, around the time we got her to do the first-ever episode of Lab Radio at the old 7th street shop (you must check this out – she plays strictly new wave and post-punk 45s). And yet despite two great albums with her band Exploded View (and some pretty far out stuff with Shackleton, if youre adventurous) in the interim, weve been pining for this solo follow-up for ages. Recorded with Exploded Views Martin Thulin, the production expands onBeak>‘sstripped down krautrock backdrop forAnikawith thick modular synthscapes and cavernous dub atmosphere, lending a renewed viscera to Hendersons Orwellian public service announcements. This paranoid stew calls to mind Tender Buttons-era Broadcast, or some chanceencounter between Can,Coil and Nico, with empowered, tightly wound lyricssummarized as”heightened frustration buoyed by guarded optimism.” Check out Rights, Finger Pies, Naysayer, Sand Witches, Never Coming Back, and Freedom. Limited pressing on silver and red galaxy colored wax and housed in a reflective mirrorboard jacket with download code, released by Sacred Bones, recommended.

• silver + red galaxy colored vinyl
• housed in reflective mirrorboardjacket w/ printed inner sleeve
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Sacred Bones Records 2021

reviewed by departmental dan 08/2021

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Turntable Lab (@turntablelab)