Melissa Auf der Maur, the legendary bassist and musician, has unveiled her highly anticipated new album, "BASS WOMB ROOM: My ’90s 4-Track Demos x Field Recordings." This release marks a significant moment in her career, as it's her first new music in over 15 years. The album is a captivating journey through her creative process during the 1990s, offering a unique glimpse into her artistic evolution.
What makes "BASS WOMB ROOM" truly special is its intimate and experimental nature. Auf der Maur recorded seven previously unreleased demos on her Tascam 4-track tape recorder in her living room home studios. These demos showcase her raw talent and creativity, with lyrics that were either streams of consciousness or lifted from her diary. The use of everyday sounds, such as a dripping leaky faucet and her camera shutter, adds a layer of authenticity and personal touch to the recordings.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the album is Auf der Maur's exploration of her inner struggles and experimentation. In a statement, she revealed, "I wrote these songs in the context of rising pressure from the major label-driven music industry on myself and my peers to make glossy hit songs to dominate radio airwaves. These songs are the sound of my internal experimentation and a way of keeping the Montreal art girl alive inside. These sounds are the quiet and private side of the girl who joined the big American major label rock band."
The album's title, "BASS WOMB ROOM," symbolizes the intimate and experimental nature of the recordings. It's a space where Auf der Maur could freely explore her creativity without the constraints of the mainstream music industry. This release is a testament to her artistic integrity and her desire to share her raw and unfiltered work with her fans.
In addition to the archival recordings, "BASS WOMB ROOM" features eight new interstitial sound pieces produced by Alex Crow. These pieces will score Auf der Maur's upcoming My ’90s Rock Photographs museum exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario. The exhibition, which opens to members on September 2nd and to the public on September 8th, will present over 200 personal photographs, offering a comprehensive look at Auf der Maur's life and career during the 1990s.
The album's tracklist is a testament to Auf der Maur's diverse musical influences and her ability to blend different styles. It includes songs like "Active Heart," "Desire is Critical," and "Skip a Beat," each showcasing her unique voice and songwriting skills. The album's release is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, as it promises to be a captivating and introspective listen.
In my opinion, "BASS WOMB ROOM" is a must-listen for any fan of Melissa Auf der Maur's work. It provides a rare and intimate look into her creative process and offers a fresh perspective on her musical journey. The album's release is a celebration of her artistic growth and a testament to her enduring talent in the music industry.
