There’s something about female bandleaders that’s irresistibly intoxicating. Either they can shred an instrument like no other, sing their ever-loving hearts out, or go completely apeshit at a show, these girls grab ahold of your adoration and refuse to let go. Alice Glass of Crystal Castles, Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells. These female rockstars have all melted our hearts in the past, and now we’ve been blessed with a new indie diva to crush on in 2012: Claire Boucher of Canadian dream pop outfit Grimes.

Claire Boucher is everything the aforementioned women embody and then some. Musically, she’s extraordinarily talented. A DJ, producer, and keyboardist, every aspect of her music is created 100% through her. She has a deep love for vintage synths and heavy reverb, indulging in each in almost every one of her songs. But though her production work is infinitely impressive, like all notable female maestro’s before her, it’s her unique singing ability that gives her that “it” factor. Boucher reaches (and holds) vocal heights that would make even Mariah Carey do a double take. On Grimes’ fourth studio LP Visions–which released earlier this month–Boucher utilizes both her mind-altering beats and unique vocal talents to perfection, and in short, has created the most beautiful and cohesive album we’ve heard thus far in 2012.

Visions features a pretty evenly split repertoire of intrinsically pop numbers and more experimental frequencies. What’s constant though, is Boucher’s vocal presence, which shines bright no matter how subversive or hazy the back beat. This is most apparent on the track “Eight”, which is more or less an electro temper-tantrum, yet Boucher still finds a way to overpower it like an oppressive babysitter. The album’s kick-starter and possibly most engrossing piece, “Genesis”, leaves listeners in an inebriated daze–a shot for shot intake of blinding synths, beautiful piano loops, and delicate vocals. “Oblivion” is similarly hypnotic, drawing you in with a forceful beat and a catchy melody that brings in visions of early Madonna. It’s music that’s easy to love, and absolute blast to listen to.

Essentially, what Visions does best, is showcase experimentalism within a streamlined theme. It personifies the “dream pop” aesthetic that it shoots for, yet it’s innovative enough to be seen as something totally hybrid. It’s dreamy, psychedelic , and magical–roaming free yet clicking in all the right places. Lovers of the lo-fi feel will drool over Boucher’s homemade, vintage synth work, while mainstream pop devotee’s will be swept away by her entrancing vocals. Either way, it’s the kind of album that’s hard to not admire, and for anyone in need of a new indie princess to pledge their undying love to, look no further than Grimes.

Stream a few of our favorites from Visions below, and purchase it on iTunes here.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Grimes- Genesis

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Grimes- Oblivion

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Grimes- Skin

Rebecca February 27, 2012 at 2:31 PM

:):)

Yudz March 6, 2012 at 11:42 AM

(: Beautiful

Leave a Reply