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Adia Victoria, Beyond the Bloodhounds

The cover art to Adia Victoria’s debut album is an exercise in simplicity and trickery. From one perspective, it could be seen as a photo of the songwriter in colorful socks, just having a goofy sit. From another, it could be interpreted as a bare white room akin to an insane asylum archetype. The cleanliness of the setting takes on a darker vibe, as all objects have been removed to prevent harm to our protaganist.

Overall, this is very similar to the feelings that bubble up listening to Beyond the Bloodhounds. The overall vibe is dark and moody, with a perfect balance of strangeness and beauty happening consistently from top to bottom. Sonically, it’s an unfit comparison but I can’t help but think of Peggy Lee’s hit “Is That All There Is?” – a terrifying soliloquy of detached emotions and chaos, wrapped in a pop song.

The album is released today, May 13th, and I can’t suggest diving in headfirst as soon as conveniently possible.