Waterflower – Love (2021)
Technically conceived in 2006 when performing as bedroom-pop act Kroffork, Waterflower has been in the works for over a decade. The brainchild of multimedia artist Sabine Moore, this solo project binds elements of science, nature and sound in her avant-garde musical experience. Already a strong presence on the Latvian underground electronic music scene, Moore has also received attention from online blogs, podcasts and radio stations including Mogg Blog, The Hype Magazine, Yeah I Know It Sucks, XS Noize, iHeart Radio and Nick Tann’s podcast ‘Is This Thing On?’. Reaching an international audience, Moore has gained a reputation for experimental and obscure tunes with a lingering insightfulness. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Love’.
The final track off her conceptual album Balta Gaisma, ‘Love’ is a mellow, soothing tone with a sense of lighthearted joviality. Yet, while there is a buoyancy to the synth-laden single, there are undertones of unsettling mystery within the harmonic melody. It is as if you were wading through a misty moor seeking out some type of secret item – haunting and confusing. Unlike many synth-pop tracks I come across, the hazy ambience of ‘Love’ is more wistful, innocent and soul-stirring.
Showcasing her eclecticism and innovativeness as an artist, Waterflower weaves a tapestry from simplistic and obscure instrumentation. No prominent guitars or drums are noticed, but rather a conglomeration of percussion artfully arranged in a unique way. The “plink plonk” adds a haunting effect but also acts as an anchor in redefining normality on various levels. Moore noted that “love can be a beautiful, self-defined dream-world where anything is possible” and, as such, continues to push her agenda of self-discovery ever further.
In addition to the single, Waterflower released an official music video for ‘Love’. Adding a visual representation of her “dream-world”, Moore takes us on a journey of self-awareness. Retaining the simplistic obscurity of her music, the music video for ‘Love’ shows Moore in a red dress before a background of animated plants and clouds. Yet, the background is not stagnant and continues to flow in its animation. One particularly significant feature here is the inclusion of specific colours such as magenta, red and white.
So, what do I think about the video? Physically, the visual elements are intriguing and quite easy to view; however, it is the conceptual aspect that intrigues me. Moore notes that “just like love, magenta seems real to us within our perception” and this is clearly noted in the video. The changing animation represents a changing society with changing situations. Moore’s position shows a consistent self-perception and, overall, the soothing movements demonstrate an exploration of normality and abnormality from your subjective perspective. Bonus points: no strobe effects were used so people with photosensitive epilepsy can view the video in peace.
For more from Waterflower check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
