‘Love child of Björk and Bat For Lashes’ MOLTENO continues her element series with new EP.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by 10K Mega
MOLTENO’s music has been appearing on our blog since 2018 and, in 2022, we shared coverage of her EP Element 1 which focussed on the mythical element of fire.
Her new EP Element 2 celebrates astral themes and the element of air.
We’ve already shared its lead single Moonlight which has also caught the attention of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Tom Robinson and across the web. Likewise, singles Clouds and Stars have also featured on this blog. The trio of tracks work well together on this record, giving us rich escapism, dreamy introspection, and captivating moodiness respectively.
They are joined by short and delicate intro Aer (To The Cloud Line) which opens the EP and gives us our first taste of MOLTENO’s soft and compelling vocals and image-laden lyrics. A percussive groove underpins them building nicely into the driving and cosmic Moonlight. It truly is one for the ages, and it’s clear why it’s got the attention it has. It’s a song I could listen to again and again.
Clouds is a beautifully layered number. Vocalisations are joined by driving drums and electronic textures during an audible daydream. Stars rounds off the EP in understated style, combining lingering organ with an R&B-esque groove.
Though MOLTENO has garnered so many favourable comparisons to legendary artists, there really is no-one else like her. Her command of the electro pop genre, her unique point of view, and ability to create a memorable track really makes her stand out. I’m a big fan and I’m certain this EP will win her plenty more.
There will, of course, be four releases in the Element series. I can’t wait to hear the next two!
Element 2 is out now and you can give it a listen below.