Hundred Waters continue to deliver their sleepy rhythms and electronic lullabies on Communicating. Like previous efforts, singer Nicole Miglis carries the listener the entire way with only a raspy whisper. While speaking ever so quietly she demands attention. Opener Particle and single Wave to Anchor are both delightful tracks that explode with a glow of feedback and optimistic drumming. Communicating is a little Portishead. A little Cat Power, even.
By the time Parade comes on, the band slowly creeps back into the shadows. A soft blanket of strings lands softly on Miglis’ voice. Fingers strips back all instruments at first, slowly blooming in the dark.
The title track isn’t so much a full song, but really an extended motif that leads into the incredible Blanket Me. Again, Miglis is there to guide you through, endlessly repeating the song’s title. As she continues, she grows smaller. A low hum from an invisible chorus floats gently behind her. It feels like a falling dream and suddenly it’s gone. On the final track Better, Miglis asks the listener, “Did I treat you right?” The answer is a resounding yes.
