Glasgow-based Sulka (songwriter Lukas Clasen) is something of a shining light. Ever inventive, he has worn many guises over a slew of releases since the inception of this project back in 2017. Now releasing a second album for Lost Map Records, the musical chameleon has lost none of his diversity, channelling his varied influences into an impressively cohesive set of songs.
Mixing new tracks with re-workings of past songs and live favourites, Distractions echoes Heatmiser, Sparklehorse, and contemporaries like Withered Hand in equal measure.
‘Wild Horse’ has a garage rock intensity to rival that of Cloud Nothings, and ‘Ephemeral’ – a track which dates back to 2017 – thoroughly deserves the full studio production treatment it receives here. As wonky alt-pop descends into a heart swelling outro, it stands shoulder to shoulder with the best the likes of Alex G have to offer.
Distractions may have gotten its name in response to the passive way we consume music these days. However, as a record it acts as an assured reflection of self for Lukas. It is a deep and comfortable listen, and a perfect album to distract you from all the other noise of modern living.
‘Distractions’ is out now via Lost Map Records
