Malka Spigel - Gliding EP

Having founded Israeli indie pioneers Minimal Compact in the 1980s and played an influential role in experimental outfit Githead, she has in recent years been developing her own branch of shoegaze and consequently has made three stunning solo albums.

Balancing this alongside her work as a leading visual artist, with exhibitions in Royal Festival Hall amongst other prestigious venues, she is in some ways the queen of Middle Eastern punk arts. A niche accolade to be sure, but one that she wears well.

Her latest EP offering Gliding is no far stray from the collaborative course of her past. With only four tracks to its listing, it features and enlists the combined efforts of artists Hugs Back, Wire, To Rococo Rot, Lonelady and more, in true Spigel style.

Opening track “Strumgliging” is an entirely onomatopoeic number as Spigel’s characteristically lush basslines and hazy harmonies swirl into clouds blissful pop. It doesn’t quite edge onto the psychedelic but remains tenatively in the laid back realm of post-punk. Single “Dreamwalking”, if possible, is more relaxed still, as Spigel drawls her way through floaty refrains.

Conceived whilst touring her last album, and encapsulating elements of reworked material, the music may take root in the past, but is a fresh take on murky indie. Creative synergy lies at heart of this EP as such Spigel tries and succeeds in recreating the live setting in which it came.