Spellling is the project of Bay Area-based artist Chrystia Cabral. She releases her new album, The Turning Wheel, via Sacred Bones. The follow-up to acclaimed 2019 debut Mazy Fly, The Turning Wheel revolves around themes of human unity, the future, divine love and the enigmatic ups and downs of life...

The Turning Wheel is a deeply satisfying album from Spellling, made all the more impressive when you consider that she took on the ambitious task of orchestrating and self-producing an album that features an ensemble of 31 collaborating musicians.

The album is split into two halves - “Above” and “Below.” Lush string quartet shimmer combines with haunting banjo and wandering bassoon leads, as the album progresses from the more jubilant, warm, and dreamy mood of the “Above” tracks to the more chilling and gothic tone of the “Below” tracks. The resulting album incorporates a vast range of rich acoustic sounds that casts her work into vibrant new dimensions.

We open with 'Little Deer' which is both eerie and weirdly innocent sounding. It's a strong opener that also sees Spellling showcasing her vocal range. As the album's 12 tracks (57 min, 34 sec) move forward the songs head off in completely different styles. It's this diversity that really makes this a memorable and compelling release.

For some reason 'Always' brought to mind '80s band Culture Club mixed with The Communards. Likewise, 'Turning Wheel' has an '80s nostalgia quality to it.

An impressive release that will bring you years of pleasure, as you'll constantly want to return to it.

9

Nick Smithson