Grimes - Halfaxa (2010) [Arbutus] // Grade: B+

Halfaxa, the sophomore release from Montreal’s Grimes (Clare Boucher) is a significantly better attempt towards fabricating a realm of fantasy than debut Geidi Primes. Peppered with faint operatic vocals and Far East sound samples, Geidi Primes was directionless, too much creativity left to wander aimlessly. With Halfaxa, Boucher has taken more time. The beat-driven compositions challenge her voice to maintain focus and the fantastical themes are strengthened by association.

Boucher draws from the palette of choral music and R&B to create a landscape where fairies flit around pools of water and the distance is a foggy landscape of tree covered mountains. The sounds evoke memories of favorite fantasy novels and video games, Boucher’s pale voice rises and fades into the fray in a series of tones that largely forgo lyrical content. Orchestral string samples factor into the overall scope prominently, further elements that push the album’s New Age gone cool sound.

The rash creativity that exhibited itself across Geidi Primes is self-edited neatly in the tracks of Halfaxa. Variety lives in every little nook, Boucher establishing herself as a nightingale of the weird and woozy. Heavy on R&B influence, “Weregild”‘s tribal clap offers one of the album’s most upbeat compositions, with vocals pitched low and looped endlessly. “Swan Song” exemplifies the side of the spectrum most explored across Halfaxa. Wispy tones take flight, rising weightlessly like a translucent jellyfish underwater, tentacles reverberating as Boucher tweaks her notes into an array of wordless sounds. “Devon” provides the album’s standout. The variety of Halfaxa comes together on a single track of luscious, gauzy pop with a spotlight on finally discernible lyrics.

Clare Boucher harnesses an overactive imagination on Halfaxa, leading you through a wonderland populated by mythical creatures who sip the waters of their vibrant scenery. Boucher’s special voice and unique production create an escapist fantasy impossible not to lose yourself in.

- Scrooge McFuck