Anika & Beak>: A Moody Masterpiece?

Anika's eponymous debut album offers a refreshing take, leaning into a more unambitious, niche sound rather than capitalizing on past glories. Geoff Barrow of Portishead and his band Beak> provide backing for the Berlin/Bristol-based journalist and singer, Anika. Her vocal style is characterized by a Nico-like charm, portraying an emotionally detached European chanteuse without ego.

Beak> augments Anika's droll delivery with a dubby, beat-driven noir, incorporating elements of minimal wave and post-punk. While the album features several covers of 1960s pop and folk songs, including a tender rendition of Ray Davies' "I Go to Sleep," it also includes two original productions. The project is seen as a clever exercise and a charming tribute, with Beak>'s productions designed to be immersive when listened to with good headphones.