Rykarda Parasol / Tamaryn November 19, 2010

San Francisco-based Rykarda Parasol describes her dark and mysterious music as “Rock Noir.” It calls up cinematic imagery akin to David Lynch or Alfred Hitchcock giving way to an icy blonde plot and Parasol’s husky low sing/talk embodies the essence of the sharp fearless femme fatale. Often compared to the likes of Nick Cave, Black Heart Procession and The Velvet Underground, Parasol personifies both swamp and sophistication reminding us of the Doors, Serge Gainsbourg, and Nico. A uniquely gender-bending voice, her focus is delivering Faulkner-like tales with conviction and suspense. Parasol draws on American rock, soul and southern influences as well as Northern European styles imparted to her by her parents.

Following a spate of EPs and singles comes the debut album by Tamaryn, entitled "The Waves."

After collaborating with producer Rex John Shelverton (ex-Vue/The Audience/Portraits of Past), Tamaryn left New York and settled in Rex’s hometown of San Francisco to record their first full-length. Whereas Tamaryn’s earlier material was rooted in traditional goth-psych overtones, "The Waves" represents an incredible step forward in terms of her approach. These nine songs combine driving pop and lush balladry with layered, guitar-driven ethereal atmospheres, against which Tamaryn’s voice, languid and restrained, melts against its surface.

"The Waves" is a masterful collision of hypnotic psychedelia and bittersweet dream pop.

Official Website: http://www.slims-sf.com/slims-bin/showcal?date=2010-11-19