Tara Joshi 

Xenoula: Xenoula review – an intricate, experimental debut

(Weird World)
  
  

xenoula aka romy xeno wearing false eyelashes and poking her head out of a bubble bath
Stranger things… Xenoula. Photograph: PR Company Handout

Occasionally this debut album from Xenoula (real name Romy Xeno) feels like relatively run-of-the-mill indietronica – tracks like Luna Man, for example, are somewhat forgettable. But as the album opens out, it’s clear the South Africa-born, Wales-based artist, along with producer LA Priest, offers something more intricate and strange. Dreamy Caramello boasts breathy, sweet vocals ghosting over rich but fragmented electronic textures, pulled together over a warm, organic, psych-infused groove, while standout Tororoi finds lithe percussion dancing and weaving around her voice. At its best this is earthy, experimental pop, but the unusual sounds that pique the interest come too inconsistently.

Watch the video for Chief of Tin by Xenoula.
 

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