Pem – other ways of landing
Pem's hypnotic vocals have the uncanny ability to wash the world away, even if just for a few short minutes
Utilising a distinctive voice is a core trait not just for musicians, but for all kinds of creatives. Pem, a Bristol-based multidisciplinary artist, songwriter and gardener, is someone who knows this very well. She toured with the likes of Jacob Alon last year, but has been embraced by much of the UK’s alternative music community for the last few years through her earthly, yet mythical style of songwriting.
other ways of landing is Pem’s latest project, and its contrasting senses of place (both literally and metaphorically) evoke an ethereal feel throughout. The opening title track sets this otherworldly tone via transcendental synths and lilting vocal melodies. m4 windy, named after the motorway between London and the West Country, showcases Pem’s shifting states between rootedness and anemophily (being taken by the wind).
The world building aspect to this EP is vast, but Pem’s vocals are startling. From balladry (to earth will you tell me when we land) to alt-indie ((easily) moved) and raw intimacy (milk, blue), her hypnotic tremolo technique has the uncanny ability to wash the world away, even if just for a few short minutes. It’s a delightful body of work from an innately distinctive artist.
Listen to: other ways of landing, milk, blue