Arca Mutant 2LP (Red Vinyl)

Where Arca's critically acclaimed debut release Xen (2014) was introspective, Mutant is outwardly emboldened. Dedicated to and colored by the important people in Arca's life, Mutant illustrates the continuing mutations catalysed by loved ones: friends, family, acquaintances. Arca morphs for them and because of them. Both releases are contortionist shape-shifters, but where Xen asked us to meet her in her world, Mutant comes out to meet us in the light. Mutant is suggestively agape, embracing multiple sensualities with refreshing softness. Jesse Kanda's organic cover art, luminous where Xen's was shrouded, is a reflection of this.

In the artist's words: "Mutant is about sensuality and impulsiveness as escape routes out of rigidity. Softness as a weapon when the mind attacks itself." Mutations in the records' textures parallel the malleability of identity; tension is harmonized by openness and the inclusiveness of transformation. Pride is taken in deformity, innocence, distortion and vulnerability: traits often ostracized as undesirable. Themes that have animated Arca's work - tension, polarities, playfulness, eroticism, mutability - have been refracted into newer, more nuanced shades. Fluctuation, in-betweenness, intimacy and chaos are celebrated.

Mutant is released as a double LP set.

...a set of tracks that feels like a hard-won celebration of individuality....Mutant may be some of her most challenging work yet, but as Arca's music becomes more abstract, the viewpoint behind it comes into focus in ways that embrace strangeness, ugliness, and beauty equally.