EP REVIEW: Teri Gender Bender - SATURN SEX
I must confess I found "SATURN SEX" a challenging listen, its not a record that clicked with me instantly and even after 5 listens I'm still not sure I get it.
The EP crosses genres and pushes boundaries, it's impossible to classify Teri Gender Benders style. It's versatile and adaptable. Sometimes soft, lo-fi and dreamlike, sometimes bold and harrowing while at other times more pop infused or indie-esque comparable to the likes of Bjork.
'THE GET UP' is a pop-ish, slightly Latin sounding track that moves between Spanish and English vocals. The lyrics talk of the feeling of never being or doing enough. I generally find this the most mainstream, easy to listen to track in the record.
'MIND YOUR FEELINGS' chimes in with some distorted drums before breaking into dark, cabaret-esque vocals. Teri's voice belts out before the tone comes down into a sinister chorus and second verse, her vocals almost appearing to be battling against the music. 'MIND YOUR FEELINGS' struck of early 'Big Time Sensuality' era Bjork.
Title track 'SATURN SEX' is another pop infused number, with a funky sound and dreamy vocals. It has more of an electronic, digital feel than the rest of the EP. There's something haunting and unnerving about the track that I quite describe, but it definitely left me feeling a little uneasy.
Ending the EP is 'GET YOUR MONEY STRAIGHT WITH ME' which has an almost hip-hop feel to it. Featuring a drum machine backing erotic sounding vocals often breaking into a semi rap.
"SATURN SEX" is an interesting listen with lots of variety to showcase Teri Gender Benders voice and musical ability but something was just a bit amiss for me. My preference is much more straightforward music, so while I can appreciate the talent on show here, all the twists, turns and experimentation on the EP meant it fell a bit short. I think if you like music that's miles outside the box and outside the restraints of genre "SATURN SEX" is going to tick all your boxes.
