The title of Suzi Stapleton’s second EP, Obladi Diablo, is intended to be translated as ‘pop music is evil.’ In attempting to position herself as the antithesis of bubblegum chart hits, Stapleton has done a thorough job.
Obladi Diablo is the soundtrack to hardship; the EP pulses with a lifeblood of classic blues. The tried-and-true themes are given a modern upgrade, however, in the way of thickly constructed instrumentation.
‘Song Of The Artesian Water’ is the highlight. It begins with Stapleton’s vocals almost at a whisper, haunting and persuasive – she sounds like the devil convincing you to sell your soul.
An eerie piano line drifts past as her voice builds in strength. After dropping into what can only be described as a growl, it rises crystal clear and proud a moment later. The soundscape behind it is lush, and almost old-Western in sound.
‘The Hit’ opens with just her and a guitar. A steady drum beat joins in, the guitar is swallowed up by distortion and then wades through an erratic solo, taking listeners to the end.
‘My Cons Are Making A Cripple Out Of Me,’ ‘Bring Back the Night’ and ‘The Last Note’ are similarly moody.
Throughout, the driving force is her raw and emotive voice. It is a voice that is apt for the bleak subject matter, expressed in wronged and angry tones, and enhanced by the paranoid backing music and piles of distortion.
The heavily layered harmonies provide a dramatic backdrop, but it is the swoops and wails of Stapleton’s singing that will keep listeners interested.
