Avant-Garde Pop from AnnaOtta

AnnaOtta is a European musical duo consisting of Irene Novoa from Spain and Jenny Thiele from Germany, who invites listeners on a captivating journey through their latest record, Such is Life. With a unique approach to electronic music, AnnaOtta crafts a distinctive sound by exclusively using their voices, manipulating them electronically and blending them with custom-made digital synthesisers built from vocal samples. The result is a collection of experimental dream pop tracks that are simultaneously familiar and groundbreaking.

The album opens with “I Wonder,” an atmospheric piece where processed vocals create an ethereal soundscape. As the album progresses, AnnaOtta’s musical prowess shines through. “Gokike” combines progressive pop elements with spliced vocal samples and playful bass lines, building up the arrangement with buzzing synth tones to create a mellow yet exciting sonic atmosphere.

“Come to the Light” unveils an otherworldly tapestry of intricate textures and stretching vocal lines, gently carrying the listener into a dreamy realm. The track’s ethereal qualities create a sense of weightlessness, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the subtle nuances of the music. “Similarities” introduces a lo-fi sound with a snapping beat and elegantly floating vocals, complemented by hazy synths that add dimension to the composition.

AnnaOtta’s ability to create evocative soundscapes is further demonstrated in “All Opposites Within.” This minimal, spacey instrumental piece showcases their expertise in sound design, enveloping the listener in a subtly haunting ambiance. Each carefully crafted sonic element contributes to the overall atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression. The aptly titled “Ambient” takes the listener on a gradual journey, building eerie layers of stretched synth tones and soft sonic textures. The track’s progression mirrors the ebb and flow of a dream, evoking a sense of intrigue. Their mastery of creating mesmerising sonic landscapes is on full display here, as the music transports listeners to unexplored worlds of the imagination.

Closing the album is “Outro III,” a minute-long avant-garde piece that serves as the perfect conclusion to the sonic journey presented throughout Such is Life. Driven by vocals, this experimental track offers a unique musical form that serves as the album’s credits. It encapsulates AnnaOtta’s artistic vision and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression.

With Such is Life, AnnaOtta confrisms their status as innovators in the electronic music scene. Their ability to manipulate and reimagine the human voice, combined with their background in jazz, pop and world music, results in an album which is fresh and fragile. AnnaOtta’s collaboration with jazz pianist Lucia Fumero brings an added layer of depth and complexity to their already intricate sound. The chemistry between the musicians is clear, elevating the music to new heights. Listeners who seek innovative approaches to electronic music will undoubtedly find Such is Life a captivating and rewarding experience.

Listen to Such is Life below