Anja Plaschg of Soap & Skin grew up in a small Austrian village, on a vast pig farm that her parents ran.

Initially rebelling against piano lessons, she soon became obsessed, practising for up to 12 hours a day, and eventually adding violin and sound programming to her repertoire. Soon she was in demand on the festival circuit before she had been signed, and is currently enjoying the honour of playing Nico in a stage play about the Velvet Underground.

It is clear the world is taking notice of Plaschg. Hearing this album, and then finding out that the artist behind it is a mere eighteen years of age is somewhat disturbing. Her highly emotive lyrics are sublimely poetic, and arranged with heartbreaking clarity. The album combines piano and violin, with gentle yet sinister, industrial-edged electronica.

Whilst I recoil from the ‘young, tortured prodigy’ tag that certain PR machines may be glorifying in, the unearthly talent and natural darkness of this debut is undeniable.

Charlotte Richardson Andrews