Spellbinding, ethereal, and bizarre—three words that effortlessly capture the essence of any SPELLING record.
Since 2018, frontwoman Chrystia Cabral has been the face of SPELLING, starting with their introductory demos Hard to Please and My Other Voice. From there, Cabral set the tone for SPELLING as an experimental project with a progressive sound and DIY aesthetic.
Now, with four albums under their belt, SPELLING’s sound has evolved into something even more otherworldly and avant-garde. Their fifth studio album, Portrait of My Heart, marks a significant step forward, offering a deeper and sentimental side of Cabral.
The album opener and title track, “Portrait of My Heart,” springboards listeners into an anthemic indie-pop anthem. Although rhythmically joyous, the lyrics carry a darker, luminous edge, with Cabral singing, “I don’t belong here.” This contrast between light and dark runs throughout the album, creating the perfect juxtaposition as the band mixes melancholic storytelling with uplifting, prog-rock hooks.
In the lead-up to its release, Cabral described the album as “pointed into my human heart.” As you make your way through, this message becomes more obvious. Tracks like “Destiny Arrives” and “Satisfaction” stand out as heartfelt ballads, each with a deeply sentimental message.
Sonically, Portrait of My Heart is climactic, camp, and futuristic—traits that will be familiar to fans of SPELLING’s distinctive sound. Each track takes listeners on a unique musical journey, with some leaning soulful, like “Destiny Arrives” and “Ammunition.” Meanwhile, others songs veer into grunge territory, such as “Drain” and “Alibi.”
The latter is an instant standout, serving as the ultimate breakup anthem. Its guitar-heavy rush of adrenaline is heightened by the addition of Turnstile guitarist Pat McCrory. SPELLING’s lyrics here are somewhat relatable, with Cabral repeating, “But I won’t take you back this time.” While each track stands on its own, the album flows seamlessly from one song to the next.
Shaped by respected producers and unexpected collaborations, Portrait of My Heart sees SPELLING expand their experimental sound with the help of Rob Bisel (SZA), Psymun (Yves Tumor), and mixing engineer Drew Vandenberg. Having worked with Vandenberg on their 2021 lockdown record The Turning Wheel, his influence is unmistakable throughout the album.
Portrait of My Heart explores navigating life’s toughest challenges: love, intimacy, anxiety, and the fear of imposter syndrome. Arriving two years after their last album, this album marks a new chapter for the band, full of firsts. Not only is it SPELLING’s most intimate project yet, but it’s also the first time in their career they’ve introduced a duet. Situated just past the album’s midpoint, “Mount Analogue” features additional vocals from American singer-songwriter Toro y Moi, adding a beautifully melancholic layer to the record.
Over the years, SPELLING has cultivated a sound coated in ’80s synths, indie chorus lines, and heartfelt lyrics. On nearly every record, Cabral crafts a warm soundscape reminiscent of the feeling of spring arriving.
On Portrait of My Heart, SPELLING masterfully captures the emotions of longing and dissociation through complex, whimsical arrangements. The album’s dreamy atmosphere resonates with a sense of yearning and displacement. While both concepts are often linked to negative emotions, it’s important to note that the album doesn’t evoke sadness.
Every track is meticulously crafted and placed, pulling listeners into wonder without weighing them down. Though sonically uplifting, Cabral’s emotionally-rich lyrics delve into deeper themes.
In many ways, Portrait of My Heart serves as a portal for self-discovery and emotional reflection. It’s a graceful yet simple collection of songs that are also remarkably complex. At times, the album feels like a space for quiet existence, while in others, it prompts deeper contemplation. The album’s nonchalant tone allows ample room for introspection. The album offers both easy listening and powerful reassurance, especially when you need to feel less alone in your emotions.
To round out the album, SPELLING closed Portrait of My Heart with an ethereal cover of My Bloody Valentine’s 1991 track “sometimes.” The original leans soft and shoegaze, but Cabral adds a guitar-driven, climactic edge—ending on a final note of escapism.
Fall in love with SPELLING all over again with this gorgeous album that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and everything in between.
Byline: Laviea Thomas