Soko's music is tinged with the sorrow of loss. It mines the back alleys of new romantic moods, Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, and the makeup streaks of every goth that's stayed up for one too many days. At times she channels Robert Smith, sounding deep and melancholic through her barely there French accent. For My Dreams Dictate My Reality she worked with legendary Cure producer Ross Robinson in his Venice Beach home studio for months. The two were able to create a world that fits Soko perfectly. It's a compelling concoction of rebellion and mischievous energy, spontaneity and fatalism. The collaborations with Ariel Pink seem to come off easy, just how they should. His AM pop aspirations match Soko's star like qualities, their voices foolproof compliments to each other. My Dreams Dictate My Reality will take you to that other world you've always dreamed about. Just be careful you don't get stuck there.

• music label: Because Music 2015

reviewed by Le Haim 04/2015