Right. I'm a little in love with Tartaruga recordings. Those lovely folk who dazzled & confounded us with the Norman smash by Bleeding Heart Narrative have done it again with their 3rd release, 'My Sister, Boudicca' by the amazing Quinta. Opening with a charming classical chamber piece that manifests itself as an excursion into Riley/Reich style electric piano repetition before some of the sweetest violin starts caressing my ears til tears spring from my fat eyes. As beautiful an introduction as could be desired. Quinta has a wonderful voice, as showcased initially on 'James on the Ocean', slightly ethereal and wistful, loaded with character. The instrumentation she employs on this album is often rooted within the classical sphere but she brings in a homely, folkish feel to her curious, spellbinding little movements, letting an ocean of emotion breath within the constraints of a "song". For a DIY record, this is of an incredibly high pedigree. Quinta uses "anything that makes a good noise" to produce her music, you can, for instance, find the most subtle electronic beat suddenly popping up its head amongst the swooping strings & curious clarinet. The title track is almost a madrigal, layered vocals hovering over quietly crashing waves of guitar feedback, a contrast indeed to the grace of the earlier tunes. A dirty accordian & electronic bloops form the basis for 'Reading to Me' which has some melancholic strings gliding all over it by halfway through, the sheer beauty of which remind me of our beloved Max Richter, especially the crackly old sample that sounds like it's from another age. There's twinkly music box experimentation that reminds me of early Psapp & Coleen, a ghostly cinema organ instrumental that prickles your spine with it's dusty stalker vibe before strange electronic whirrings make you smile with relief. I'm reminded in essence slightly of Piano Magic throughout this album but also of any number of multi-instrumentalist female mavericks. This music is incredibly moving, playful & nostalgic, each piece possessing a strong individuality. I especially adore the baroque electronic pop of 'In America' that comes across like a cross between Sol Seppy & CocoRosie, hazy, haunting vocals, a metronomic drum break & bass pulse with a blinding violin line. 'My Sister, Boudicca' is a cohesive, impressive record with something for any adventurous music lover. AOTW at the drop of a hat!! 200 only, in hand stitched re-cycled card (as is the Tartaruga uniform). Includes a printed paper doily & a beautiful miniature animation flick-book!
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Sound clips for My Sister Boudicca by Quinta: on CD at Norman Records UK. CD, Tartaruga, TTRCD 003, £10.29.
The third release on Tartaruga – and the third debut album – is the full-length record from the London-based Quinta. Quinta’s dad gave her this name when she was a baby. He was a teacher of Latin and Greek, and she was the fifth of five children, and a girl.
Quinta plays violin, viola, musical saw, keyboards, clarinet, toy and vintage instruments, and anything else that makes a good noise. The album is a varied exploration of these and other sounds; at once playful, humorous, nostalgic and original.
As well as her solo work, Quinta plays with Bat for Lashes, Orphans & Vandals, and Pthhhh and has played also with Joni Davies, Mette Bille, Clearlake, Mary Hampton, The Accidental, Chris Letcher, London Breakbeat Orchestra.
The CD is packaged in a signature Tartaruga gatefold recycled cardstock sleeve, screen-printed, hand-stamped, hand-numbered and sewn together. Available in a limited run of 200 numbered copies, each CD also comes with hand-made inserts.
The album is available to purchase from the Tartaruga Records website, Norman Records, several small independent shops in London, and at live shows. This won't be around very long. The album will also be made available as a digital download, from all major online stores, including iTunes.
Tartaruga Records is a small independent record label, based in London, focused on releasing high-quality music from original and forward-thinking artists. A huge level of attention is paid to the presentation and packaging of each release, as we firmly believe in the continuing relevance of the physical artefact. This is the third CD release on Tartaruga, following on from the debut albums by Bleeding Heart Narrative and Brassica which were released in 2008.
Tracklisting
01 They Come, The Burning 02 James And The Ocean 03 Two Dead Birds 04 My Sister, Boudicca 05 Reading To Me 06 The Finest Riddle 07 Supernova 08 Sunday's Child 09 In America 10 The Ballad Of The Ice Dancer 11 At The Top Of Bear Hill
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