In the vibrant Stoke-on-Trent music scene, a fresh and enchanting voice has emerged in the form of Dead Bird Lady, a French-Mexican musician whose sonic journey has taken her from the landscapes of Iceland to the heart of Staffordshire. The alias of Laura Salas Ramirez, this talented multi-instrumentalist has wasted no time in connecting to the local scene and in fact, fits right in with the likes of Megan Dixon-Hood, Julia Mosley, Behind the Moon and Borogoves.
A far cry from her first ballad February, the haunting melodies of her latest single Pollen explore the “challenging themes of the overindulgence of self-destructive habits – from those we recognise to the seemingly innocuous”.
The track opens with an Eastern atmosphere coming from the mandolin – just one of Laura’s many skills among the violin, guitar and autoharp – this immediately gives her a unique and distinctive backdrop for her bewitching vocals as they weave a spell that echoes the likes of Kate Bush and Lisa Hannigan.
Pollen is richly textured and delicately balanced, showcasing Dead Bird Lady’s exceptional ability to blend haunting and ethereal vocal harmonies with emotive lyricism alongside mysterious and melancholic melodies. Each note feels purposeful, Laura’s ability to combine diverse musical influences is on full display, making Pollen a standout single that not only captivates the listener but also lingers long after the final note.
There are definite nods to the 70s rock roots she grew up with, too, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain, alongside more contemporary artists like Florence and The Machine – but one thing is for certain: no-one sounds like Dead Bird Lady. Her brand of cathartic folk is very much her own and it’s this musical courage and integrity that she aspires to keep at the core of her musical project.
Self-recorded and mixed by Alexis Michallek (Imogen Heap and Sacha Bernardson), the record has a sense of intimacy that invites you into the enchanting world Dead Bird Lady has forged with her fascination for folklore and alternative music. As such, Pollen is an enticing introduction to The Granny House EP, which is due for release later this year.
Released this October 20, Dead Bird Lady’s latest single Pollen is here just in time for spooky season and feels oh-so of-the-season with its haunting vocals and cinematic charm, showcasing her ethereal sound that single serves as a captivating first chapter of The Granny House, where there is a promise of more enchanting melodies through Dead Bird Lady’s cathartic folk lens to come.
Catch Laura perform live at Captain’s Bar, Hanley, this November 16, and listen to her latest single Pollen here:
