About this item

Debut album on Secretly Canadian for widely respected Italian / London artist now relocated to New York.

Mauro Remiddi's androgynous vapor of a voice weaves like a ghost between Nick Gilder and The Alessi Brothers, Julee Cruise and Judee Sill. In more contemporary terms, Porcelain Raft stands confidently on a high hill between the sounds of M83 and Beach House. Lead track "Drifting In and Out" is loping and anthemic; gauzy and chiming. "Shapeless and Gone" follows with a heavy strum reminiscent of "Cosmic Dancer" -- full of mood and style without all the wearying excesses and feathered boas. Porcelain Raft's thesis statement hits when side B kicks off with "Unless You Speak From Your Heart." Remiddi's androgynous vocals carrying a hook so simple that you might think you sang it first; keys and bass that might make the needle jump off of your turntable; and a sense of raw sincerity that has come to trademark Remiddi's songs is what ultimately resonates.

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Heartstring twanging, massive, classic chord changes with yearning vocals drifting around. This is like Puressence, but played by Twin Shadow. That gorgeous, sometimes anthemic quality is offset by bedroom electronics and distortion. Absolutely mega!

Darryl says: Serene and utterly gorgeous, welcome to the world of Porcelain Raft. An angelic vocal that floats majestically over a delicate and melancholic soundscape, bringing to mind a futuristic Joy Division, M83, and an electro-infused My Bloody Valentine.