Bleep

The April 2017 release of avant pop artist Sophia Kennedy’s self-titled album was a watershed moment for both the American-born artist and Pampa Records. The symbiotic pairing is set to continue with this new 10”, Being Special, as Sophia continues to examine the art of leftfield song-crafting that makes her one of the most unique voices in German contemporary music. The centre of “Being Special” is its trio of percussive piano riff, strings and handclaps, which warms the heart with a notable throwback cinematic feel, yet is juxtaposed against confessional lines such as “Being lonely makes you special, Being special makes you lonely too.” . “Afraid”, originally written by the all time underground legend Nico, hints at a sparse DIY affair in Kennedy's version, but the song ingeniously matures in small increments. Sophia’s unmistakable voice increases in richness and becomes more dynamic line by line, as she sweeps through lullaby style verses. The quirky final song “Apple In The Basket” embodies a whirling circus carousel as reflected in a funhouse mirror. Staccato organ chords and rhyming word couplets enhance the eerie carnival imagery.