musicAddicted

Canadian gothic synth-pop trio Austra are naturally most recognizable through the distinct and vigorous vocals of Katie Stelmanis who also takes care of songwriting. Subsequently this makes her seem a leader of the group and somehow hides the prominence of two of her similarly talented band-mates: bassist Dorian Wolf and drummer and programmer Maya Postepski.

Maya’s one-woman project Princess Century (strange name, isn’t it?) focuses on her primary instrument: drums and electronic arrangements. Crummy Bones, one of her early demos, demonstrates Maya’s passion for stark rhythms and bursting beats which reach the strict sound of a machine gun. Bits of late 70s krautrock are traceable in the monotone raw bass line, inspirations by early industrial which drew from krautrock are hidden somewhere deep too. The cold washes of old-school synthesizers and analogue organs move the song towards its climax and despite their cool nature make Crummy Bones somehow more human and tangible. If this is just a demo, I’m really curious what will come after more focused work. Postepski’s feel for sharp rhythm and brisk melody is more than promising. (Download the song via Wears The Trousers’ SoundCloud profile.)