Sheena Dham is a songwriter/composer born in Metro-Detroit but currently residing in Oakland, California. She attended Michigan State University in East Lancing, (a city which as a Hardcore Punk listener of some years rung some bells, as the home to midwest legends The Meatmen and The Fix as well as the Touch and Go zine which later evolved to become a deservedly well-respected label – now based in Chicago). Her music has also been composed and performed for the brands Arc'Teryx, Skullcandy, Quicksilver and The North Face.
Familiarity Heuristic is Dham's second album (and her first on Oakland based label Psychic Eye) and follows up last year's Sheena Dham 1.0. On this latest release, themes such as heartbreak, longing and pattern-breaking are touched upon, offering the listener an opportunity to glimpse into Dham's personal journey over the last ten years. Sheena has roots in Indian Folk Dance and a very diverse musical background which incorporates Bassoon/Woodwinds, Bass, Vocals, and Synths. All of the above I'm sure you'll agree makes for potentially fascinating listening.
'I Can't' with its musically upbeat feel lies in stark contrast to the emotionally gut-wrenching nature of the lyrics. I was hesitant to mention UK Indie crew Cornershop (not being a fan an' all), but comparisons could be drawn with how Sheena manages to acknowledge her roots while utilizing predominantly Western musical styles. This is beautiful Post-Punk with gorgeously delivered yearning Vocals. A fantastic opening musical salvo. 'All Due Respect' has a Folk Music influence running through it and would normally have me running for the hills; but done like this feels far more engaging. The music here is downbeat, sparse and intimate in nature, as if Sheena was addressing you, the audience. This might also be down to the Laurel Canyon/Joni Mitchell confessional nature of the lyrics. Its brilliant in any case. 'Pure as Sleet' is musically heavier with Guitar work coming courtesy of Sammie Dee Wallinga of Snakemother/Exuvia (I forgot to mention that she also added live Drumming to the record) and adds a darker Industrial, Metallic edge to the whole affair. Nods to the likes of NIN are apparent as is the Gothic Post-Rock of Esben and the Witch. A delightful track and a sure-fire personal favourite; for which an accompanying video is inevitable, surely (??).
'MJM' an instrumental, is pure sonic Ambient Pop bliss and its as if the spirit of Brian Eno and underrated Post-Punkers The Chameleons have imbued every note. Despite the lack of Vocals/lyrics, the track still betrays a fragility which will touch the heart and soul of everyone who listens to it. The shortest number on Familiarity Heuristic at 1:37, 'It’s You' recalls the eccentric spirit of Bjork, vintage Trip-Hop of Portishead and even the glitchy Techno of Warp Records artist Autechre, divine. Speaking of eccentric, 'Pearls Before Swine' reminds one of the gloriously catchy Progressive Glam Pop of Sparks while 'Darker Days' is the wry catchy Indie of The Smiths (before Morrissey really lost the plot) filtered through Coldwave. With the sense of drama that is evoked an artist such as SRSQ is also evident as is the Pop Vocal Jazz of Dame Shirley Bassey. This is a immensely powerful piece with which to bring proceedings to their natural conclusion.
This is a diverse sounding album rich with a wide range of musical styles, yet one that sounds stunningly cohesive. The majority of Pop out now seems cynically constructed, overproduced and downright sleazy, and which Familiarity Heuristic is the antithesis of. A superbly constructed work that amply rewards the more it is listened to.
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