Despite featuring an impressive cast of musicians, Swahili Blonde has always been, at its heart, the project of Nicole Turley. Turley is no stranger to the local scene, having been part of bands like Kimono Kult and WEAVE!, though now she’s retracing her steps and beginning anew by taking full command with her upcoming full-length, entitled And Only the Melody Was Real. Featuring the entrancing, dub-tinged first reveal "Rose My Emperor", Turley is exorcising herself from the pain of a failed marriage in the best way she can – implementing sonically adventurous bits and bobs that appear to be simple, though are carefully layered, with arrangements that only reveal themselves in an impromptu way.
And Only the Melody Was Real is out on January 22nd via Neurotic Yell Records.