My Brightest Diamond is the multi-instrumental alt-rock project helmed by singer-songwriter Shara Worden. Since 2006, she has released three multimedia projects that encompass her exploration of traditional string chamber and opera styles combined with modern electronic rock, backed by hypnotic Florence and the Machine-esque vocals to create an eerie power in each track.
My Brightest Diamond’s fourth studio album, This Is My Hand dives deeper in the discovery of what really is music. Worden admitted earlier this month in Rookie magazine, “I went on this search [for] What's music has meant to humanity for all of time? I was thinking about songs throughout history, and how the record industry has changed so much. We don’t value recordings in the same way that we used to, so what am I doing making this thing? Like, what’s the meaning of music and how can I be really inspired and hopeful and rediscover what music means to me?” Via the clashing genres within and struggling lyrics throughout, it seems Worden gets closer and closer to this discovery with each finished track on This Is My Hand.
“Pressure” starts the album off with an absolute bang. Twenty seconds of a neurotic drumline opens up to a mystical flute intro before Worden enters with silky vocals and a chant-like bridge, where the song enters a roaring 20s jazz-like state of crooning until Worden declares “Disperse the white light!” and the beat drops. The song is catchier than most of My Brightest Diamond’s ponderous work and has the potential to cross Worden over to pop.
Though the rest of the album is not quite as impressive as the opening track, it’s a great listen to ponder where the world’s been and where we’re taking it from here. You can sense Worden’s exploration of herself and her environment and her amazing musicality makes you want to explore right along with her.
Rating: B-
