Steadily, we approach the time of year where people around the world gather to celebrate the birth of a figure of mythical importance, sporting the initials J.C.
And while the holidays often bring a bunch of hustle and bustle with them, running to see friends and family, it is also a time for quiet reflection, and pensive pondering.
So, today’s music choice comes for those moments, from the aptly named musical project: Skullcrusher.
Helen Ballentine is the singer-songwriter and musician that is the creative force behind the calm and dreamy indie folk music that makes up Skullcrusher’s catalogue. Her music sounds intimate and is tinged with an introspection that rose from her starting out with creating music, having just finished her studies and quit a job and using the new found time to pursue music.
Her self-titled “Skullcrusher EP” (2020) was when I first heard (of) her, and immediately went on loop in my Spotify – in part, because it’s very nice and calm, in other part, because it’s only 11:33mins long and thus is over before it really has taken off.
Two more years of waiting, and “Quiet the Room” (2022), her debut album, was released and didn’t disappoint, fleshing out her music with regards to instrumentation, production and just overall-ambience.
Both EP and album mentioned above warrant listening, in my opinion, and at a combined play of just 53 minutes are quite accessible from a time perspective. But if you asked me for some songs to check out, I would point you to “Places/Plans“, “Whatever Fits Together“, and “You are my House“.
Have a lovely holiday season – get into the New Year well!
Merry Christmas
–Jason Caesar out–
Coryphe 