Slovakian indie-folk-rock songstress Karin Ann has finally released her highly anticipated debut album: "through the telescope," which arrives alongside an official music video release for her single: "i don't believe in God."
About Karin Ann's 'i don't believe in God'
Ann penned the song amid a pivotal period in her life, as she emerged from a prolonged hiatus from music due to health issues.
The single serves as a vulnerable reflection of spiritual dilemmas that were projected from the artist's experience as a queer woman surrounded by a conservative Christian environment. Despite renouncing formal beliefs, Ann grapples with seeking spiritual solace amidst adversity.
This similar thematic narrative is echoed by the song's music video, which features an acting cameo from Imogen Heap, the same artist Ann collaborated with for her earlier advanced single: "false gold."
While the song by itself projects a more personal narrative touching on Ann's own struggles, the MV broadens its narrative scope and delves into themes of religious persecution and societal injustice, mainly drawing its inspiration from historical "witch hunts."
You can watch the "i don't believe in God" MV right below.
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On Karin Ann's Debut Album 'through the telescope'
The new record is Ann's "big entrance" into the global music stage, something she achieved at just 21 years old through her remarkable command of various musical styles and her fearless approach to tackling complex themes of love, identity, and mental health.
Co-produced with Benjamin Lazar Davis and Will Graefe of Texas-borne rock band Okkervil River, "through the telescope" showcases Ann's sonic flexibility as she transitions seamlessly from folk and buzzy rock to gothic disco.
She also boasts an expansive range of influences from varying luminaries and their respective genres, like Mazzy Star, Stevie Nicks, and David Bowie.
That said, Ann's music is principally informed by her childhood fondness for instrumental scores and her musical upbringing that surrounded her with compositions from the Western classical canon, experiencing it through activities like figure skating and ballet.
"Before I even considered making this album, I was at a breaking point where I seriously thought about giving up music due to my declining health," said the artist. "Benjamin, my collaborator on the album, unexpectedly entered the scene, and later came Will."
"The two of them sparked this whole new wave of creativity, and the album turned out even better than I imagined," she added.
Ann also expressed that the new record is "labor of love, free from external pressures" that allowed them to artistically pursue narratives that spoke to them.
"I'm so full of pride as I prepare to share this deeply personal piece of work with the world, and I'm hopeful that it resonates with listeners on a profound level," expressed Ann.
Stream "through the telescope" now by clicking here. You can also sample all its tracks right below.
