Sometimes outward circumstances push an artist in a particular direction, and other times they simply allow the artist to do something she had been thinking about anyway. Both of these concepts seem to be in play on
Carla Bozulich's 2018 release,
Quieter, a fascinating but enigmatic work from the gifted vocalist and songwriter. While touring in 2014,
Bozulich temporarily lost hearing in one ear; she soldiered on despite hearing her performances quite differently, and discovered there was something powerful and eerie in hearing the music at half its ordinary volume. While recovering,
Bozulich began reworking a handful of tracks she'd recorded that hadn't found a home on one of her albums, and the material in question was well suited to a more measured approach than
Bozulich usually offers. So if you're hoping to hear the fevered howl that's long been one of the most effective weapons in
Bozulich's arsenal,
Quieter will seem like a letdown. However, while this music is less aggressive than much of her best-known work, it's no less challenging or confrontational. Most of
Quieter is composed of amelodic soundscapes that combine organic instrumentation and electronic manipulation, with
Bozulich's vocals weaving themselves in and out of the mix, and her rich, throaty murmur is a reminder that she's one of the most gifted singers at work in the musical underground, regardless of context. There are more approachable moments here -- "Sha Sha" was recorded with
Bozulich's short-lived band the Night Porter, and the balance of her voice against the grain of the violin and cello suggests what she'd sound like if she teamed up with
the Dirty Three (a great idea, by the way), and "End of the World" is a spare, jazz-inspired number with
Carla crooning over some lovely guitar work from
Marc Ribot.
Quieter lives up to its title in terms of volume, but this music isn't the least bit timid. These tracks run wild with ideas and subdued passion, and while this music is well suited to late-night listening, it will not lull you into a slumber.
Carla Bozulich is a vital and fearless artist, and
Quieter demonstrates that her muse can adapt to whatever fate throws her; this is fascinating music that merits your attention. ~ Mark Deming