Evoking the experimentalism and carefree attitude of its namesake, Erica Quitzow’s second album has a diverse and quirky aesthetic, reflecting her background and training as a classical musician. As a member of The Woodstock Chamber Orchestra and the Hudson Valley-based Setting Sun, it is almost inevitable that Quitzow should be influenced by classical compositions, even if these references come through in some particularly obscure ways. Tongue-in-cheek humour is a large part of Art College‘s feel – irreverent lyrics, cacophonous instrumentation and a reliance on the listener being in on the joke. ‘Sponsor (It Didn’ Mean A Thing)’ sets the tone for the first half of the album, traipsing across electro-pop like a more determined, less melodic Metric. ‘Peanut’s has moments of naïve redemption amidst the odd lyrics, whilst ‘On tv!’ feels slightly uncomfortable as it references new-wave pop.
There is no doubting Quitzow’s talent as a musician, but there are plenty of occasions when it feels as if she is being eclectic simply for the sake of it. The oddly titled ‘Cats r People 2’ embodies this sentiment perfectly. At times, it’s a bit like guests at an uncomfortable party – Moog bass, violin, cello and cut up guitar snippets are all acquainted, yet not in sync. Dense layers of loops cloud Quitzow’s vocal delivery, which masks rather than highlights the strength of her voice. Yet when she is left to her bare devices (cello and minimal electronics) the picture starts to become a lot clearer. ‘Better than Ever’ begins to reveal the strength of her melodies, unfurling into a memorable progression that belies the bombastic approach of the previous tracks. For most of Art College, Quitzow tends to hide behind a persona of quirkiness at the expense of actual innovation. There are some strong moments and genuinely well-written songs, but it is difficult to find much coherence to this collection.
Alexandra Savvides
