It’s still early in the year, but there are a handful of tracks that I keep playing at home. It’s always a good sign when, as a music blogger, some songs just keep coming up on my own personal playlist. A couple of months ago I put Silent Portraits’ video for “Mama” up on my Vodpod video page. But some of you may not follow me there, so here is the song, finally posted on Their Bated Breath. This Berlin band’s song is just one of three you can listen to or download at the band’s bandcamp page. Lead singer Maxi, croons with vocals bathed in reverb, distant sounding and yet intimate. “Memories” is sparse, the rapid strum of a guitar, echoed vocals and a harmonic buzz. “Mama” is a bedroom ballad, sad reflection about wanting to find safety and comfort even in a broken home. The sound is like a lonelier version of Sinead O’Connor. The instrumentation is icy and made for nighttime, but it’s the honesty and intimacy of mood that warms the soul. This is one of the tracks I just can’t stop playing. It’s beautiful. Fans of Sleep ∞ Over will love Silent Portraits’ music. — David D. Robbins Jr.
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