American artist Cameron Mesirow, who goes by the stage name Glasser, released her sophomore album earlier this month. Inspired by her relocation from California to New York, it is as introspective as it is a reaction to her new environment.
The name Glasser came to her in a dream; in a “vision of a figure hovering over water.” It’s a story that is very evocative of the music Mesirow creates. Her lilting vocals hover over sultry electronic beats with infusions of more organic sounds of strings and percussion, but used in unexpected ways. Even her vocals can seem to become another instrument at times. The effect is dreamlike – familiar, but just disconcerting enough to make you take notice. She adds an additional level of surrealism in the accompanying video for the opening track, “Shape”.
Mesirow comes from a creative musical background. Her father is a member of Blue Man Group, and her mother is a member of Human Sexual Response, one of the most original acts to come out of Boston’s post-punk music scene of the early 80s. With influences like that, it is no surprise that her music is adventurous and not easily categorized. I have heard comparisons to Björk, Kate Bush, and even Joni Mitchell. While I can understand the comparisons, Glasser really stands out as a wholly original artist. There is a daring creativity in her work that will transport you into her world and submerge you in a shimmering sonic landscape.
Interiors is available through True Panther Sounds on Matador Records. It is also available for download on iTunes and streaming on Spotify. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.