“Best finest surgeon, come cut me open.”
At about 2 minutes 40 seconds you are entirely likely to lose your shit as ‘Surgeon’, the opening track from St. Vincent’s Strange Mercy descends into some kind of live band dubsteppy funk hybrid. Then there’s the absolutely uncharacteristic OTT synth solo. The first 180 seconds weren’t bad either, finding Annie Clark operating in an atmospheric dream like state punctuated by bass signifying notes and odd riffs. I swear it channels Steely Dan at one point.
♡ Nialler9 is independent and reader-supported. Support us on Patreon →
Strange Mercy is released on September 9th (12th UK / 12th US).
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
