Vancouver’s Claire Boucher performs under the alias of Grimes. Since her start in 2011 with a split EP alongside D’Eon, who’s known for his experimental electronic style, Boucher has evolved into her own electronic pop style. One of Grimes’ most popular albums, Visions (2012), gave us contemporary electronic melodies like “Genesis” and “Oblivion.” With flawless baby bangs and an equally flawless and baby-like voice, Boucher has graced us with yet another upcoming album in December, Art Angels.
Her two newest singles “Flesh Without Blood” and “SCREAM” exhibit two very different sounds, possibly hinting at the new album’s diversity and evolution from her signature style. “Flesh Without Blood” stays consistent with that familiar electronic dance style that has a way of attaching itself to the listener. With metallic beats and subtle punk riffs, Boucher’s ethereal “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” offer a complex balance between sharp and soft sounds.
“SCREAM” moves away from the familiar spacey sounds to an industrial style. The track features Aristophanes, a Taiwanese rapper. The vocals still adhere to Boucher’s high-pitched style and seem to resemble the eerie sweetness of Die Antwoord.
Boucher is a pioneer of the new age sound, and we can’t deny her fashion sense is just as vibrant and unique as her music. Catch her at the Buckhead Theater, November 11th.
4/5
Nikki grew up in an imitation German town in Georgia by the name of Helen. It wasn’t until middle school that she started to get interested in the arts: painting, music, and writing. She wrote in her diary, sketched in art class and listened to regretful music. By high school, her tastes became a little more refined. She found Fiona Apple, Lou Reed and Giant Drag, and they remain her favorites in college. She was accepted to the University of Georgia in 2012 and is currently majoring in English. Upon moving to Athens from a town with more trees than people, Nikki was a bit overwhelmed. However, there is certainly no lack of inspiration in Athens, and she appreciates its love for the arts and its service as a platform.