Laika: “44 Robbers”/ “Coming Down Glass” (Too Pure)

I admit to knowing absolutely nothing about Laika. Where they/he/she have sprung from is a mystery: Despite this apparent obscurity, this single contains the freshest, most intensely original pieces I have heard for aeons. ‘44 Robbers’ is littered with eerie effects and guitars which veer from the quirky and sublime to the downright menacing. Backed by a thumping bass and solid beat, the song threatens to get lost within itself on occasions yet the moody and captivating tones of the female vocalist (Laika?) steer the track clear. Even more memorable is ‘Coming Down Glass’, which follows. A stripped-down drum part is supplemented by a silk-smooth bass line to provide a platform for enchantingly mumbled vocals that ooze temptation and seduction. As the subtle climax approaches a wind instrument flutters through the stratosphere creating a freakish tone. An intensely satisfying release.