Perfume Genius - Learning

Perfume Genius is the work of Mike Hadreas who, according to his press release, has experienced a life time of shit multiple times over. This implies his musical work is candid, poetic and often a little bit sad which is it most certainly is. It can't be help. Music is often victim to circumstance and on this occasion it came out all thought provoking and heartfelt. 'Learning' is a collection of subtle pieces of ambient balladry littered with whispered vocal lines, sweeping synth pads and lonesome strings. In parts it touches on Cat Power territory and at times it reminds me of Sparklehorse with it's treated, almost inaudible vocal melodies and incomparable melancholy. It also has the brittle qualities of Daniel Johnson's work but with the utterly charming lyrics replaced with more down to earth, matter-of-fact grimness.