#21 IN Karl Blau’s CD-R Series/Label Kelp! Monthly, finds two songwriters, Johanna Kunn & Garrett Devoe, each making beautifully unique music. The Pacific Northwest never ceases to amaze me with the talent that comes out of it and it always seems as if Karl Blau is somehow responsible for it. Johanna’s music (aided by Mr. Blau’s playing and recording) is moody all the way around led my piano and beats but done very organically with space and experimentation. Similar to Laura Viers but with a more innocent tone to it. Borrows some style from Mount Eerie and Karl’s music and at times reminds me of a lo-fi Bjork. Tracks 1-5 and 13-16 are hers. In the middle lies Garrett Devoe (aka Pure Horsehair) who has a more lo-fi singer-songwriter feel. Most of his songs rely on layer guitars. Dark, beautiful fingerpicked melodies that flow in and out. Again moody with creative but spacious instrumentation. Reminds me of a less droney Six Organs of Admittance mixed with the fingerpicking of M.Ward. I look forward to the Monthly Kelp! releases and this one has been one of my favorites thus far. Beautiful and moody all the way around
-tHE bAWD oF euphony