Bleep

Inga Copeland’s second LP as Lolina is a typically obtuse listen. While Copeland may or may not still be involved with Hype Williams, that group’s mischievous approach has carried over into her solo output. The Smoke is full of cheap sounds - Midi synths, tacky keyboard tones - and the way they are assembled here often borders on sound art. On tracks like ‘Roulette’ and ‘The River’ instruments drunkenly fall over each other in a manner that seems, if not unplanned, then certainly off-the-cuff. Copeland’s vocals are as flippant as ever, knowingly towing the line between uncaring and coy. However, melodies do emerge - ‘The Missing Evidence’ shows clear influence of lover’s rock and 90’s r&b. Other artists wouldn’t be able to pull off such an intentionally ramshackle work, but Copeland’s strange charisma makes The Smoke a curious and bewitching album.