Exploded View is Anika Henderson's international, collaborative project.While playing a string of solo shows in Mexico, the UK-born, Berlin-based musician discovered undeniable chemistry w/ local producers: Martin Thulin, Hugo Quezada, and Amon Melgarejo. The Berlin/Mexico group, while rehearsing in Mexico City, honed in on a new sound that's "several steps removed from the krautrock-isms" of Anika's previous work, and after the delightful, self-titled 2016 debut, it is back with Obey, an ambitious 10-tracker that can be described as a "hypnotic dream sequence that lulls the listener into a lucid state." Check out "Gone Tomorrow," as Anika's wistful singing falls perfectly into the strange, looping synth layer and sparse drum hits. "Come On Honey" is also a stand out, an abrasive, lo-fi number drenched in noise and effects, and "Sleepers," the lead single, is an eerie trip consisting of heavy bass and haunting vocals. Also check out "Open Road," "Raven Raven," and "Letting Go of Childhood Dreams."

• hot pink vinyl pressing
• music label: Sacred Bones Records 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 10/18