Jasmina Maschina: The Demolition Series

One half of the electronica duo Minit, Jasmina Maschina brings a very light, gentle and lullaby-like feeling to much of this nine-song affair. Think of Feist still in her Parisian abode but longing for Canada and the album becomes a bit clearer. The gorgeous “Sweet City Sue” is a great kickstart to the record, recalling Julie Doirion in some respects in that you basically have to crank the volume to appreciate the rather hushed effect. This is revisited later on with “Slow Walker” and its piano-driven melody. “Holy Holy Holy Word” continues this style, although Maschina brings her harmonies along for the spacey, retro-sounding ride. She also manages to weave her way nicely around the folksy, Marianne Faithful-leaning “Over” but perhaps the highlight is the also the centerpiece of the record: “Sister”. Strolling along as a guitar strums along, Maschina nails the track with a subtle jazz accent guiding it into the tranquil fade. As “Under Sea” marks the record’s homestretch, one hopes that there’s more of this magic in the future from Maschina.