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PRICE:
$27.00
LOW STOCK LEVEL
On Order. 1-2 Weeks
01. Soela - Unsuitable
02. Soela - Through The Windows (feat. Francis Harris & Philipp Priebe)
03. Soela - Drowning (feat. Module One)
04. Soela - Dark Portrait
05. Soela - Lost In The Fog
06. Soela - February Is Not Going To Be Forever (feat. Lawrence)
07. Soela - Spirits
08. Soela - Even If I Ask You To Stay
ARTIST
TITLE
Dark Portrait
FORMAT
LP

LABEL
CATALOG #
SAT 068LP SAT 068LP
GENRE
RELEASE DATE
9/27/2024

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.