By Stella Hufhines
Producer, composer, and artist Chrystia Cabral, professionally known as SPELLLING, has unveiled her latest album, “SPELLLING & The Mystery School,” an 11-track reimagining of her previous works. In contrast to the fantastical art-pop sound of her 2021 release, “The Turning Wheel,” Cabral’s new album delves into haunting, eerie sounds, incorporating experimental folk and dark electronic elements.
Cabral used innovative production techniques to create the enigmatic atmosphere surrounding the album. Fantastical strings, synths, and ethereal vocals represent just a glimpse of Cabral’s additions.
The opening track, “Walk Up to Your House,” sets the tone for the entire album, as soft vocal chants surround thin violin instrumentals throughout its duration.
The project plunges listeners into its depths with “Cherry,” arguably the most unsettling composition on the album. The repeated guitar riff, coupled with gritty vocal harmonies, produces an eerie and stirring effect.
The second track, “Under the Sun,” hints at a more upbeat sound within the album, but still retains its original undertones, particularly evident in the dark piano instrumentals at the beginning.
The sixth track, “Hard to Please (Reprise),” also stands out with its bright sound. The song seamlessly combines Cabral’s captivating vocals with prominent violin instrumentals, creating a smooth and cohesive experience.
While “SPELLLING & The Mystery School” primarily focuses on reworking Cabral’s previous songs, some tracks on the album do not display significant upgrades from their earlier versions.
For instance, “Phantom Farewell,” the seventh track, remains relatively unchanged from its earlier rendition in Cabral’s 2017 debut album, “Pantheon of Me.” Notable stylistic changes are lacking in the song, with the primary improvement being the enhanced production quality.
On the other hand, tracks like “Always” showcase the creative transformations introduced by Cabral. In its original rendition from 2021’s “The Turning Wheel,” the song is more upbeat, featuring bright vocals and fast instrumentals. In Cabral’s new version, “Always” adopts a relaxed jam style, complete with a continuous, smooth bassline.
SPELLLING’s vocals remain a standout feature throughout the album. The interplay between Cabral’s soft, whispery vocals and her powerful range and harmonies highlights her technical and artistic talent. Her unapologetic vibrato, a recurring element in her music, ranks among Cabral’s most admirable qualities as an artist.
In summary, I found “SPELLLING & The Mystery School” to be a thoroughly enjoyable release from Cabral. While not every adaptation resonated with me, I appreciate the artistic and creative shifts introduced in this album. Witnessing Cabral’s evolution and growth as an artist is a fascinating journey, and I can’t wait to see how her style develops over time.
Favorite Track: “Always”
Least Favorite Track: “Walk Up to Your House”
Rated Seven out of Ten.