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LP
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SAT 068LP
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Soela is the DJ and production alias of Elina Shorokhova, a Russia-born Berlin-based experienced pianist and vocalist who has made a hugely impactful transition into electronic music. Having released material on such labels as Kompakt, Dial, Shall Not Fade, Lost Palms, E-Beamz, Red Ember Records, Sushitech, and others, Soela joins the ranks of Scissor & Thread for this exquisite album -- Dark Portrait. The album opens in a typically understated manner with "Unsuitable" -- a melancholic trip-hop adjacent track that sets the tone for the next eight pieces. As Soela explains, "I was dealing with some very complex feelings, so I came up with this album, which helped me not to despair, to work on myself, to grow internally, and to start listening to myself. It helped me to keep sane when my country invaded Ukraine with a full-scale war. It absolutely broke my heart, and music was one of my main salvations." This complex mix of emotions plays out across the album with tracks that utilize her beautiful musicality ("Through the Windows" featuring Francis Harris and Philipp Priebe, "Drowning" featuring Module One) and ear for details with skittering beats, ambient soundscapes ("Spirits," "Lost In The Fog") and lose-yourself dancefloor moments such as the collaboration with Lawrence on "February Is Not Going To Be Forever." The title track "Dark Portrait" combines dubby elements with affecting pads and melodic touches, while the lead single "Even If I Ask You Stay" delves into multiple feelings around escaping toxic situations, and battling depression. It features a powerful vocal from Soela supported by a deeply affecting arrangement. The closing track "The Darkest Hour Before Sunrise" brings a sense of hope and light, balancing subdued keys and strings with ethereal tones and atmospheres.
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LP
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DIAL 043LP
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Dial welcomes Soela to be the first album release in 2020, the 20th anniversary year of the label and the latest addition to their artist's roster. Soela's debut album Genuine Silk is an exploration into the deepest shades contemporary and house music and ambient. With a continuous stream of essential compositions, Soela creates a mesmerizing undertow of enchanting atmospheres and moods. Soela, aka Elina Shorokhova, is a wanderer, passing through cities, clubs, landscapes, and genres that all left unmistakable traces on this release. Genuine Silk marks the end of a three-year long journey that started in Rostov-on-Don and ultimately led to a new life for her in Berlin. Three years that saw acclaimed and celebrated releases on record labels like Kompakt, Detroit Underground, and Nerang Recordings. Edition of 500; no repress.
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12"
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KOM 406EP
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Elina Shorokhova, aka Soela, is a multi-talented artist hailing from southern Russia who now calls Berlin her home. The title track emits her talent as a pianist -- broken beats float in-and-out of dub-drenched ambience that flows with cascading vocals. "Close Your Eyes" echoes a spirit of Detroit house with refreshing new intensities. "White Becomes Black" shows her own interpretation of dub techno and combines that into a classic house beat. "I Have A Dream" sounds like she bridges all of the previous track elements into a single whole.
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