How do you try to expand upon and better the palette of one of the most ambitious pop albums of the decade so far? You don’t. And it seems that Spellling knows it.
In 2021, the California singer-songwriter (real name Chrystia Cabral) released ‘The Turning Wheel’, an opus that patiently used classical swatches, psychedelia and soul to build irresistible melodies, amplifying the cult goodwill she had previously earned with darkwave debut ‘Mazy Fly’. More tangibly, it proved a commercial breakout that let her tour for the first time.
With her live band now joining her in the studio, Cabral has wisely opted not to attempt to outdo the grandeur of ‘The Turning Wheel’. Instead, its follow up ‘Portrait of My Heart’ bears the influence of ‘90s alt-rock, vintage pop and even thudding metal during its more immediate songs.
The opening title track epitomises this new approach. Acoustic and electric guitars quickly distance it from the instrumentation on ‘The Turning Wheel’, while their pairing with energised drums feels comparable to The Smashing Pumpkins or R.E.M. – references that become even more appropriate once Cabral hits a moreish chorus that’s equal parts strength and grace.
From there, ‘Portrait of My Heart’ touches on so many facets of modern pop and rock. Keep It Alive could have come from the repertoire of No Doubt, as Cabral cries a romantic chorus on top of rumbling riffs, and Destiny Arrives flaunts vocal prowess akin to Michael Jackson in his prime. Satisfaction, though, explores the wheelhouse of guitarist Braxton Marcellous, who also plays in the on-hiatus hardcore punk band Zulu. At the apex of its two minute run-time, he unchains a wild lead line while Cabral howls like a full-time metal screamer.
Where ‘The Turning Wheel’ slowly ventured through different soundscapes, ‘Portrait of My Heart’ dives into each one with speed and abandon. Its tracks may be shorter, but Spellling’s vision has never felt broader, and it’s a safe bet that her commercial and critical success will snowball further from here.
Spellling Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon June 09 2025 - BRISTOL Exchange
Tue June 10 2025 - MANCHESTER YES (The Pink Room)
Wed June 11 2025 - LONDON Village Underground
Thu June 12 2025 - BRIGHTON DUST
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
