Hunting For Pearls
iamamiwhoami
5:18 min • To Whom It May Concern • February 26, 2014
Andrew Darley reviews
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iamamiwhoami are at it again. The Swedish outfit, fronted by Jonna Lee, are embarking on a new album cycle. After the accomplished graft and precision of their two audiovisual albums, bounty and 2013’s kin, January saw iamamiwhoami release new single ‘fountain’ and begin a new storyline. The song draws a clear line under the previous record with sequences of the album’s signature black box being burnt in a fire and Jonna voyaging out into the ocean. In order to progress, they must kill what they have become known for.
Second single, ‘hunting for pearls’ further shows their new creative freedom. The visuals, directed by WAVE, show Jonna’s character being chased by the embodiments of the last album as she escapes to, what appears to be, the Artic region. It captures the tension and the deep need to progress. Musically, it doesn’t drop their aesthetic but expands on its texture, by incorporating new synthesizers. The most noticeable development is Jonna’s vocal performance. She appears to have moved away from the reverb-heavy vocals (to almost indecipherable effect) in favour of clean and direct vocal line. When she sings
In the strangest lands I will grasp my chance,
Sing the unsung words I have searched to spell –
it’s one of the most sparkling and uplifting moments they’ve created so far. The song’s lyrics are a slight nod to themselves in how they take time and effort in crafting something that is worthy to give to the world.
No strangers to featuring nature and the elements in their work, it seems possible that their third album could be based around the concept of water. Only time will tell. But there’s one thing certain; there are very few out there who are creating music and visuals in they way they have to embody a story that is dynamic, rich and thought provoking. Expect a new song and accompanying video every month this year, if their previous album release patterns are to be believed. ‘hunting for pearls’ sparkles and it takes us on another journey. Simply magic.
