—__–__ (More Eaze & Seth Graham)
Opera on fire
The Heart Pumps Kool-Aid is the debut release by —__–__ composed of Mari Maurice (More Eaze) and Seth Graham. The release has also been arranged with commissioned instrumentation from Karen Ng, Nick Storring, Rob Mcgill, Meteronori, spoken word from Proxy.exe, and guest vocals from Recovery girl and Meteronori
The Heart Pumps Kool-Aid is the expression of Midwestern sadness, the entrapment of class and inexpressible discontent. The opener “When you’re hot around the narcs” showcases shoegaze-like whisper vocals with simple classical arrangements weaving blips of free jazz sax; this track sets the mood for The Heart Pumps Kool-Aid: a near death experience from narcotics addiction (a common and personal story of Ohio).
There is clear vulnerability with phrases barely holding on to minimal arrangements. Mari’s falsetto voice floats above breathing woodwinds, atonal classical expression with a consistent melancholy mood of crotale melody throughout The Heart Pumps Kool-Aid. A swirl of frustration and hopelessness lead by crooner opera, akin to Harmony Korine’s works and Tilt by Scott Walker, or Blemish by David Sylvian.