Pure At Heart by Chinawoman: A Quirky Sonic Journey That Sticks With You
Let’s cut to the chase—Chinawoman’s Pure At Heart is one of those albums that sneaks up on you like a cat in socks. Released back in 2012 (yeah, I know, where does the time go?), this Canadian gem blends pop and electronic vibes with dashes of experimental flair, chanson charm, and balladry feels. It’s self-released under "Not On Label," which kinda makes it feel like the musical equivalent of an indie zine your cool cousin made in their garage. And honestly? That just adds to its scrappy allure.
First off, let’s talk about the track “Pure At Heart” because, duh, it’s the title track and sets the tone for the whole shebang. This song hits different—it’s got this dreamy synth line that feels like floating through clouds while someone whispers sweet nothings into your ear. The vocals are soft but deliberate, almost as if Chinawoman herself is leaning over a café table telling you her deepest secrets. What sticks with me most is how unapologetically weird it gets halfway through; there’s this little electric guitar riff that pops outta nowhere, like a surprise guest at a party who ends up stealing the show. You don’t expect it, but once it’s there, you can’t imagine the song without it.
Another standout has gotta be—you guessed it—the unnamed magic lurking in every other track too obscure to mention specifically. Kidding! But seriously, there’s this moment near the end of the album (I won’t spoil which song) where everything drops out except for these haunting vocal harmonies and what sounds suspiciously like a synth pretending to be a harp. It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop scrolling TikTok mid-scroll and think, “Wait…what am I even doing with my life?” In the best way possible, obviously.
What really ties this whole project together is Chinawoman’s DIY ethos. She didn’t just sing or play instruments here—she mixed the damn thing alongside Diego Ferri. Talk about wearing multiple hats! Or maybe, in this case, multiple wigs? Either way, it’s clear she poured her soul into every second of this record. Electric guitar? Her. Synths? Also her. Vocals? Yep, still her. If anything, this album proves that sometimes all you need is one hyper-talented person and a laptop to make something truly memorable.
So, would I recommend Pure At Heart? Absolutely, especially if you’re into music that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to hit you right in the feels. Is it perfect? Nah. Does it care? Probably not. And honestly, that’s what makes it so dang charming.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like finding a mixtape from the early 2000s in the pocket of an old hoodie—you’re not sure where it came from, but suddenly you can’t imagine living without it. Now excuse me while I go figure out how to pronounce “Chinawoman” correctly after three cups of coffee.
