Here is one underestimated female musician. Even though she has a rich discography behind her, Rykarda Parasol still does not get the attention she deserves. In the world of alternative country and gothic Americana, she is one of the pearls. Her mystic appearance and subtle charm that is never aggressive are omnipresent on her fourth album The Color of Destruction. You can hear many influences here – from Johnny Cash to The Velvet Underground but first thing you will notice is that this is an authentic gothic country with melancholic and dark lyrics. Rykarda is not afraid to share her deepest intimacy. They have proclaimed her female Nick Cave because this is really how he would sound If he was a woman. Desperate tone is notable but it is also a very deep, dark and suspicious sound. From orchestrated sections that are almost like a little operas, you can hear a sensible vocal that will implement something obscure into your bones.
It’s like she is from some other time, the time of noir movies and the darkness of the 40s. Still, she interprets that era in a very modern way. Poetry of romantism and modernism is where she seeks inspiration. Her sound can be named noir country because it connects the world of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash with 80s rock. I could maybe also compare her with Kal Cahoone and PJ Harvey. There are not many gothic country female singers. Usually, men are ruling this genre because the depth of their voice makes it easier to sing dark themes. This is what makes Rykarda even more interesting.
For her fourth album, she didn’t change much. Which is a good move. Songs are still pretty melancholic but progressive. Common topics include loneliness, death, change, identity, self-destruction, dreams. It’s like she wants the color of her dreams to resonate in her music. Search for the self inside a contemporary society is main theme. Hermetic lyrics invite you to read between the lines. It is not an ordinary female letter. It is almost androgynous. She is aware that writing has nothing to do with gender. There is also a lot of irony, such as in The Loneliest Girl In The World, a gorgeous ballade that is right next to The Ruin And The Change. Two favorites for sure.
Vocally, she kicks ass. Sha La Took My Spark and Your Safety Is My Concern are really powerful vocally. She also sings in French and that is how we get Le Fils Du Pere Noel. Duet with Dante White Alian It’s Only Trouble Now is actually my absolute favorite from Rykarda’s opus. It reminds me so much of Cave and The Bad Seeds.
The album is segregated into three sections with intro, intermission and finale. Ready To Burn closes the album. What a visual identity! What a voice! What an intellect! What a sadness! What a sublimation! No one does subversion as good as Rykarda. I wish her all the best in years to come.
