Album Review: Jenny Hval - Apocalypse, Girl

Norwegian avant-pop singer-songwriter and University of Melbourne alumnus braces herself for the apocalypse as she deals this complex, multifaceted album of profoundly strange but beautiful music.

Working with Swans’ Thor Harris and Jagga Jazzist’s Øystein Moen among others, richly textured abstract washes of intimate sound are created over which Hval’s bewitching vocals drift to dreamy and hypnotic effect. Across this album, Hval provocatively explores the intersection between consumerism, sexuality and religion from deeply personal perspectives. Beyond Hval’s somewhat uncomfortable use of the C-word and descriptions of genitalia, she takes brave risks to deal personal insight.