Cold Specks

“Born all in the dark wormy earth, cold specks of fire, evil, lights shining in the darkness.” Thus wrote James Joyce in his masterpiece Ulysses, and it gives you a good idea of what to expect from the searing compositions of Cold Specks, the pseudonym of the black Canadian singer Al Spx.

CD | Cold Specks ●●
I Predict a Graceful Expulsion roots (Mute/Pias)

She describes her style as doom soul. On her debut, I Predict A Graceful Expulsion, recorded with PJ Harvey-confidante Rob Ellis, the overriding sound is of the powerfully rasping, somewhat battered voice, which sounds much older than you might expect from a 23-year-old. Her personal update of the folk and blues catalogue puts her in the same category as her contemporary Liz Green. Except that Spx’s restrained songs – often based solely on guitar and voice – sound more conventional. But the penchant for vintage is certainly there. And she can flatter and swear, entreat and lament, and hypnotise you without sounding implausible. The fact that Ellis can create a penetrating atmosphere is not news. That in Spx he has caught a talented singer is also becoming rapidly clear. For the time being, however, we are waiting for songs that really make an impression.

12/6, 20.00, FULL!, Huis 23 & 28/8, 21.45, free, Feeërieën