EP Review: WOOL

WOOL is the first project from Wellington-based artist Anna Wild, and it comprises 3 ambient/electronic instrumental tracks in conjunction with a 10 minute short film providing visual accompaniment. This visual EP was created to go hand-in-hand; while the music can certainly be absorbed on its own, it’s through the film (directed and animated by Taizan Yamada) that the depth of meaning shines through.

After being diagnosed with endometriosis, Wild set out to capture the sense of loss, confusion, and subsequent acceptance of medical conditions that can severely affect motherhood. All instruments were primarily performed by Wild herself, and her background in session drumming shines through with crisp percussive breaks and shimmering cymbals driving the poignant, meditative music. Piano, synths and haunting FX provide a warm bed of ambience throughout each track.

On opener Eyes, punchy analog percussion accompanies the visual of a young woman discovering a mirror in a forest through which she plunges and morphs into an animated world of abstract shapes. This is followed by Four, featuring a fuzzed out bass and suggestive imagery such as clocks, the blip of a heart-rate monitor, female reproductive organs, flowers, eyes, and outreached hands. As the action switches back to real life on Reflection, the woman tries to make sense of her diagnosis via interpretive dance; after being confronted with a baby pram, she flees down a remote beach, eventually settling to rest, seemingly making a temporary peace with her affliction.

While music videos are a common feature of new releases, WOOL belongs more in the realm of extended visual films that explore concepts across a whole EP or album: think PT Anderson’s work with Haim or Thom Yorke’s Anima. With instrumental music and the absence of lyrics it often falls on the listener to input meaning, and while Wild’s music certainly stands on its own, it’s of great benefit to ingest it alongside Yamada’s video work if you can. An intriguing release from a fledgling artist clearly confident and ready to share her talents with the world.