A record that's enjoyable yet occasionally leaves something to be desired...
27 · 03 · 2025
Amid all the discussions about living in a musical era characterized by genre-blending, the new sonic combinations emerging from our internet-driven, omnipresent culture seldom receive definitive labels. The notion that a term like ‘punk’, which evolved over decades through socio-linguistic changes, could ever be assigned to a genre or subculture again feels quite foreign in 2025. Nevertheless, the versatile discography of SPELLLING (the solo project by Chrystia Cabral) epitomizes this genre-less period, and her latest album ‘Portrait Of My Heart’ is particularly surprising as it is, simply put, a conventional alt rock record.
The Bay Area artist boasts a compelling collection of work, primarily characterized by expressive, artistic goth-pop that has progressively incorporated unusual, alluring elements into the synth experimentation showcased in her witchy 2017 debut. However, ‘Portrait Of My Heart’ firmly establishes itself as Cabral’s most rock-oriented album. Its influences range from the genuinely innovative eccentric pop rock of contemporary artists like Yves Tumor, to nostalgic sounds reminiscent of the nineties, such as No Doubt and Third Eye Blind. This sincere embrace of some rather out-of-fashion influences takes some getting used to. You might expect the power-chord-driven pop of ‘Alibi’ and the drop-D post-grunge of ‘Satisfaction’ to be deconstructed and reconfigured, yet they are delivered with a disarming authenticity. While these straightforward pastiche tracks can be enjoyable, much like all retro music, they may feel somewhat empty. The more intriguing songs explore unique textures and rhythms, such as the titular opener, which is driven by captivating nervous energy and layers of maximalist elegance.
The closing cover of My Bloody Valentine’s ‘Sometimes’ is also a standout, showcasing Cabral’s powerful vocals and successfully adding a new dimension to one of the greatest songs ever composed. However, none of these 11 tracks fully rise above the sense of retro imitation. Several, including the previously mentioned highlights, come tantalizingly close but ultimately revert to (with undeniable flair) pop and alt rock clichés.
One could interpret ‘Portrait Of My Heart’ as SPELLLING engaging in a meta-modern balancing act; merging self-aware post-modern parody with genuine modernist emotion. Yet, it doesn’t quite come together as a complete success, despite featuring undeniably enjoyable moments, evident skill, and ambitious aspirations.
6/10
Words: Tom Morgan
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