Alena Spanger's Solo Debut
"Fire Escape"
Album cover design by Julian Cubillos
Climbing down the Fire Escape:
Alena Spanger’s Solo Debut
Written by Alejandro Veciana (he/him)
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“Alena Spanger’s voice breaks my brain,” fellow Brooklyn-based artist Rebecca El-Saleh (aka Kitba) told Brooklyn Vegan last year. They meant it as praise, of course, but there is in fact an undeniable quality in Spanger’s voice. It’s a voice that burrows deep into the crevices of one’s brain. Like her music itself, her sound is both powerful and soft, craggy and smooth, falling somewhere in between Björk and Adrianne Lenker, whose latest Bright Future could easily function as a companion piece to Spanger’s wonderful solo debut, Fire Escape. Both albums coincidentally (and fortunately for us) were released simultaneously for our listening pleasure.
Those who know Spanger’s past work as lead vocalist for indie-rock band, Tiny Hazard, have already been entranced by her vocal performance. And her voice, while front in center, is not the only element that makes Fire Escape such an interesting and engaging listen. Conceptually, the record is unpredictable, full of twists and turns and overall a poignant reflection on memories, relationships, and some vivid surreal imagery. Musically, it’s a rich and layered production filled with melodic instrumental segments as well as electronic textures and glitchy beats.
Five years in the making, Fire Escape re-introduces Spanger to audiences in a new light. Not only is it her first solo debut, but also her first release since Tiny Hazard. Released under Ruination Record Co, co-production credits include Carlos Hernandez (Ava Luna, Carlos Truly) and Winston Cook-Wilson (Office Culture) as well as former Tiny Hazard bandmate Ryan Weiner (Not Person) who also mixed most of the album.
Photo by Chelsea Wooten
In Fire Escape, Alena Spanger’s artistic range shines through, putting her musical elasticity on display. Tracks like the upbeat and synth-soaked “Ines” and the equally catchy “Sinking Like” are both colored with a fun, light, 80s pop tinge. These stand in contrast to the more introspective songs on the album like the ballad-esque ‘Agios’ which features a beautiful trombone arrangement by Kalia Vandever. The instrumentation comes in and out throughout “Agios,” complemented by the razor-sharp drumming of Tom Criblez (teasea). “Difficult People” is another track that benefits immensely from the subtle instrumentation. The track is a deeply melancholic song compensated by delicate string arrangements. Halfway through the record, however, there’s a change of pace. The titular track Fire Escape is the heart of the album. The songs progressively brightens up and climaxes right when the drums kick in, bringing all that build-up into a beautiful yet poignant conclusion, “to live by the sea is to be closer with death” certainly one of the most touching songs on the record, serving as the emotional centerpiece.
Fire Escape solidifies Spanger’s place as a dynamic and compelling musician. From the infectious energy of tracks like “Ines” to the quiet and textured “Methuen,” each song offers a glimpse into her multifaceted artistry. Combined with its blend of ambient, electronic, melodic instrumentation, and some experimental elements, Fire Escape is an album that resonates long after the final notes fade, worming its way into the listener’s brain.
Written by Alejandro Veciana (he/him)
