Experimentally-inclined musician and composer Dear Laika (the moniker of Isabelle Thorn) is a relatively new name to us here at TMR. However, ’Phlebotomy’, the lead track from her recently released debut album Pluperfect Mind, well and truly took our breath away. Released by the ever more reliable Memorials of Distinction (Porridge Radio, Caroline, Grove and Naima Bock), the entire record is a gem. Bursting with fascinating textures and stunning instrumentation (we’re particularly fond of the strings and piano), Dear Laika’s vocals are heartfelt and ethereal throughout. Lyrically honest and contemplative, the record mostly concerns "Dreams ; Time ; Love ; Loneliness ; Gender." Dear Laika is a star in the making and we can't wait to hear more from her. -Holly Mullineaux