8/10
Chloe Navarre’s latest release 'Periwinkle' is a twelve-track voyage that effortlessly merges introspection with experimental textures, establishing her as a singular voice in contemporary indie music. From the opening haze of the title-track, Navarre immerses us in an intimate soundscape where minimal instrumentation and soft melodies set the stage for an emotionally resonant journey.
Tracks like 'Best Left Unsaid' demonstrate Navarre’s gift for balancing vulnerability with musical sophistication. Her vocals cut through the layered ambient guitars and gentle percussion, articulating what often remains unspoken between people. 'Petrolized' ramps up the energy, pairing dynamic beats with textured instrumentation to illustrate transformation, while 'CundishunLouvre' delights with playful production flourishes, weaving quirky hooks with unexpected sonic shifts that keep us fully engaged.
Mid-album moments such as 'Analemma' and 'Impressions of Jen' offer a contemplative counterpoint, with hypnotic loops, glimmering guitar, and vivid personal imagery that make the music feel both cinematic and deeply human. In 'Doubt of the Benefit' and 'DeadCloud', Navarre explores uncertainty and emotional tension, the instrumentation reflecting the push and pull of questioning one’s own choices. Conversely, tracks like 'Mañana Boi' and 'LE Back' provide warmth and grounding, with reassuring rhythms and melodies that feel like emerging from dusk into daylight. The closing 'Twilight Toke' drifts into a soft, ambient glow, leaving a lingering sense of reflection and quiet wonder.
What makes 'Periwinkle' particularly compelling is Navarre’s fearless navigation of contrast between shadow and light, abstraction and narrative, as well as fragility and force. Each track reveals another facet of her artistry, from spacy electronic flourishes reminiscent of Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada to emotionally charged vocals rooted in indie-folk. It’s a record that rewards patience, inviting repeated listens to uncover the layers of texture, mood, and feeling. 'Periwinkle' is a landscape of emotion made audible, a testament to Navarre’s evolving craft and daring vision.
