Bria Salmena - Big Dog Review
Bria Salmena releases her debut project, Big Dog, a deeply personal record of artistic transformation.
Following her success as frontwoman for critically-acclaimed Canadian post-punk band FRIGS, Bria Salmena sets out on her solo musical journey with the release of her debut album, Big Dog. Centering in on her rich and gritty vocals, the record is a gothic dream world hovering between rock and pop soundscapes.
Born from a difficult period in her life, the album chronicles a story of transformation for the artist from the depths of self-sabotage and disheartedness to the rebirth of her hopes and a new-found artistic identity. The title came from a pep-talk she had with a friend to lift her spirits, and after she was called the ‘big dog’, the term stuck with Salmena and came to perfectly encapsulate the journey the record takes us on.
Although being deeply personal, Salmena notes the collaboration that went into the creation of the project, saying ‘none of this would have been encouraged or possible without the support from my community’. Big Dog was written by Salmena and multi-instrumentalist and producer Duncan Hay Jennings over the course of several years, as well as the input from Toronto-based musicians Graham Walsh and Meg Remy. Walsh focused on refining the electronic and rock influences throughout the album, while Remy coached Salmena on delivering the best vocal performances; the result being raw, tender, and defiant vocals throughout the record.
Big Dog weaves in and out of various styles, from electronic and synth worlds to post-punk sounds to more stripped-back indie tunes. Tracks like Back of Birds and Stretch the Struggle see Salmena’s voice lead against a pulsing beat and synth melodies. Closer to You and Rags exploit Salmena’s gritty vocals and the urgency of post-punk sound, the latter featuring the artist screaming lyrics ‘give me all your money babe’ over an energetic electric guitar solo. Songs such as Twilight and See’er are more laid-back with Salmena’s raw and often emotional voice leading with a gentle guitar accompaniment. Peanut is particularly beautiful; beginning with only a simple piano progression and Salmena’s voice delicately harmonised, the lyrics are poignant and shine through: ‘You’re on a train in Japan, I’m sitting in the dark forgetting who I am’ // ‘You said only a fool asks with a smile, what kind of fool I am?’. The track builds, but gently: strummed guitar and a soft beat are added.
The stylistic variety throughout Big Dog makes the record a rewarding and exciting listen. The album is unpredictable, raw, with Salmena’s unique and powerful voice always at the forefront. Big Dog is out now, streaming on all platforms.