I first heard Cold Specks when she supported Josh T. Pearson in Cardiff just before Christmas. I was mightily impressed on the night and everything I have heard since has further increased my excitement for an album. Her strong voice and confidence when performing was startling, especially as I have since found out she is only 23. Al Spx, from Etobicoke, Ontario, certainly doesn’t sound so young (that’s a compliment, honest!). Her smoky voice conjures images of the deep south – a soulful sound that suggests the strange sense of wisdom we associate with art from financially poor or persecuted people. I think she has been on Jools Holland’s show here in the UK and I see no reason why she shouldn’t gain more and more attention from such sources in the near future, especially considering the recent successes of other female artists in recent months.
The album, I Predict a Graceful Expulsion, is to be released on May 21st on Arts & Crafts.
As a bonus, a cover of the Swans song ‘Reeling in the Liars’ is to be released for Record store day. have a listen below.
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