Sad13, the enigmatic solo project of Speedy Ortiz's Sadie Dupuis, has unveiled a captivating new mixtape titled 1331, marking her first release since 2020. This highly anticipated project promises to be a whimsical and noisy adventure, offering a delightful contrast to the stressful promotional journey of her previous album, Rabbit Rabbit. The mixtape's creation was born out of a unique personal experience, as Dupuis found solace in music during a challenging period, ultimately shaping the artistic direction of 1331.
The announcement of 1331 comes with the release of three captivating singles: 'I Am Now Completely Invisible', 'Art Institute', and 'Watermelon Manicure'. Each track showcases Dupuis' artistic evolution, blending guitar-laden compositions with Björk-inspired influences and industrial elements. 'Watermelon Manicure', in particular, serves as a powerful response to the fear-mongering surrounding Gaza solidarity encampments, utilizing samples and vocal snippets to create a disorienting yet cohesive soundscape.
The mixtape's tracklist reveals a diverse range of themes, with songs like 'Six Ways', 'Pretty Little Lifers', and 'Mean, Vindictive, Arrogant' hinting at personal struggles and societal commentary. 'Friend of the P' and 'Sorry for Your Entertainment' add a layer of whimsy, while 'Kissing' and 'Hopeful but Not Optimistic' offer a more introspective perspective. The final track, 'Third Rodeo', suggests a reflection on past experiences and the journey towards self-discovery.
As a fan of Sad13's previous work, I find 1331 to be a testament to Dupuis' artistic growth and her ability to create captivating music that resonates with listeners. The mixtape's release date of July 10th on Exploding In Sound Records is highly anticipated, and fans can pre-order it now on Bandcamp. This project not only showcases Dupuis' musical prowess but also highlights her unique ability to transform personal experiences into captivating and thought-provoking art.
