Chrystia Cabral, aka Spellling, received high praise in some corners of the internet for her 2021 album »The Turning Wheel«. Various critics celebrated its art pop stylings in the vein of Kate Bush, which the Californian fused with elements of R’n’B and electronic music. Impeccably produced – a solid and immersive listening experience.
Her new album, »Portrait of My Heart«, once again blends a range of influences. But – forgive the subjectivity – I just can’t get behind them (and I doubt I’m alone). Cabral draws from some of the most cringe-inducing aspects of the ’90s: nu-metal, pop-punk, that kind of thing. I like to think I’m open-minded, but this is hard to endure. Unfortunately, those references permeate the entire record – in the hooks, the chord progressions, and the production choices.
The title track and opener starts with a rudimentary ’90s guitar riff, played – of course – only on the low strings, before a jittery drum beat kicks in. It all feels pseudo-edgy and uncomfortably angst-ridden. Think of those ’90s tracks that aimed for genre openness but ended up paving the way for Limp Bizkit – that’s the territory we’re in. There’s no fun to be had here, especially since these influences aren’t even cleverly executed. Clever use of uncool inspirations? Not even close.
That the album closes with a cover of arguably the most beautiful song of the 1990s – »Someday« by My Bloody Valentine – only reinforces what truly great music sounds like. And reminds you that this record doesn’t belong in that category.
