In her latest single, “Kiss Of Death,” El Perro Del Mar, the musical persona of Swedish artist Sarah Assbring, gracefully guides listeners through a celestial soundscape, exploring profound themes of mortality. The track unfolds elegantly, propelled by a sweeping orchestral arrangement reminiscent of long-lost Hollywood soundtracks.
“Kiss Of Death” is the second single from her upcoming album ‘Big Anonymous,’ set to be a cathartic exploration of grief and existential questions. These songs emerged from a commissioned collaboration with Stockholm‘s Royal Dramatic Theatre during a performance concert in 2019.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue, “Kiss Of Death” arrives with a segment from the larger ‘Big Anonymous‘ art/horror film, a visual experience crafted by Assbring, stylist Nicole Walker, and photographer Joseph Kadow. The accompanying video is an essential element, offering a fascinating narrative. Scenes of El Perro Del Mar wandering through idyllic natural landscapes are juxtaposed with ominous indoor shots, alluding to a more sinister subplot and providing additional hints into the thematic depth of the album.
The music, a collaborative effort with musicians Jacob Haage and Petter Granberg, was recorded live with sound engineer Daniel Rejmer. Using a minimal setup featuring a drum machine connected to guitar amps and vocals processed through various effects, they crafted a fundamental framework for the album. The intention behind this approach was to create an atmosphere that evoked the underworld—a timeless, occasionally austere, and occasionally intense experience.
Longtime fans of El Perro Del Mar will be aware that her musical evolution since debuting in 2005 has been one of relentless creativity. From doo-wop redux to mystic ballads, electronic dance to ecstatic love songs, she has shown boundless versatility and enviable prowess with each release.
The excitement doesn’t end with the album release. El Perro Del Mar is gearing up for a tour early next year, spanning the USA and stops in her home country, Paris, London, and Berlin. The tour promises to be a rich live experience, showcasing the depth and diversity of Assbring‘s musical repertoire. The latter Berlin date, supporting fellow countrymate and friend of Cougar Microbes José González, is of particular note as it comes the day before the album’s official release, adding an extra layer of allure for fans in attendance.
As we eagerly await the release of ‘Big Anonymous,’ “Kiss Of Death” serves as a tantalizing preview of the sonic and emotional output El Perro Del Mar has meticulously crafted for us.
‘Big Anonymous‘ is due on February 16, 2024, via City Slang.
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