At the end of January, Estonia’s Pia Fraus released ‘Empty Parks’. Formed at art school in 1998, this is their 5th studio release. Produced and mixed by John McEntire (Stereolab, Broken Social Scene, Teenage Fanclub) at Soma Electronic Music Studios in Nevada City.
Vocalist Eve Komp, speaking about the record said:
"Although the process of making this album wasn't been the easiest, I associate this album relates mostly with the feeling of happiness and positivism. The awareness of being able to be hopeful and make jokes about life even if everything seems to going downhill,"
In a similar vein to Ride’s comeback album ‘Weather Diaries’, Pia Fraus has put a positive intent back into their craft. It’s no surprise then, to hear ‘Hidden Parks’ and ‘Nice and Clever’ delivering the luscious ‘Lannoy Point’ and the atmospheric beauty of ‘Integration Tape’ and ‘Impermanence’.
Their sense of hope comes in various forms across the album. ‘Sweet Sunday Snow’ and ‘Late Summer Night’ have a more obvious appeal. Delicate guitar licks and hazy production gently build escapist climates. Meanwhile, ‘Paper Flower Projects’ is direct and ebullient like Arcade Fire’s ‘The Suburbs’.
However, ‘The New Water’ challenges you and thus, is far more rewarding. It dangles a great pop melody for the listener to clutch on to. Then, in a moment of shoegaze mastery, evaporates it, leaving you empty-handed. It acts, almost as a life lesson. Cherish the good times, for soon they may be gone.
At many points, the loved up fuzz of Pains Of Being Pure Heart and the mind-expanding worlds of MBV. ‘Slow Boat Fades’ is a gorgeous float downstream. It’s begging for Guy Garvey to lend his vocals too. Then, there is ‘You’re Not in Love’, the album’s standout moment. Scintillating and sexy from the get-go. An exuberant explosion of technicolour, enticing all and sundry to stand shoulder to shoulder against all of this planet’s ills.
From a UK perspective, it’s time for Pia Fraus to enter the festival scene. Who can honestly say that Latitude, Festival No.6, All Points East, End of the Road, or Green Man wouldn’t be lit up by their shoegaze dreams?
*image courtesy of Joosep Volk