So, it's not a perfect match, but for some reason, the sensibility on this latest track from Maria de Val reminds me of a song I wrote about many years ago (Lighthouse, by Mirah). I think that is because similarly, the vibe feels like a perfect extension of the personal spirituality of the songwriter. The influences here, stylistically, originate more from the indigenous traditions of Central and South America than the Eastern influences that drove the track from Mirah, but the flourishes of electronica over the body of the production, and the inclusion of hand percussion, seem quite connected. In a sense, De Val is simply communicating her personal truth through the medium of song. It's a complicated one, at that.

Released by Inselgruppe, "Stone In The Rubble" presents as both timeless and enigmatic. As a theater composer, De Val oscillates effortlessly between the musical decades of the 70s and 90s, which can be confusing or delightful, depending on your preference. In this short track, there is a lot to process: a busy bass line lays the percussive foundation, and the sparse production strikes a nice balance between the choppy rhythmic affect and a driving vocal performance from De Val. The result feels like a simmering pot of electronic hooks, peppered with light vocal scatting, abundant harmonies, and some industrial-sounding synth patches. "Stone In The Rubble" is a beautifully assembled document from the musical mind of a serial polymath, which 'forges a feeling of misgiving about the unfulfillable nature of love and ambivalent power of hope.'

Maria De Val Stone is a multi-instrumentalist (drums, guitar, keys, theremin) who has performed with Hubert von Goisern, Angela Aux and Max Prosa.

Visit Maria De Val Stone on Instagram.