An enigmatic start from an experimental artist, (a) wall is the first release to arrive from Heka since signing to the Balloon Ranger label. Taken from her upcoming EP (a), it’s a strong introduction to the musical world of the Italian-born but London-based singer, Francesca Brierley. (a) wall was recorded with support from Ed Tullet (Novo Amor) and features Jemima Coulter (Hailaker) on the trumpet, so it’s no surprise that the result is an immersive, shape-shifting track. Slinking her way into your ears, Heka’s sultry vocals creep and crawl along between barely-there percussion and distinctive brass cuts. Describing the track, the artist says “I guess the song is an ode to anger. Not in an absolute sense but as the cathartic alternative to the numb powerlessness that can take over and swallow every other emotion when we find ourselves in a painful or shocking situation.” That sense of anger is represented in the lyrics, which force careful listening, but the overall vibe is one of subtle resignation. (a) wall shows that Heka is more than capable of merging gorgeous instrumentation with powerful storytelling, and manages to raise a wry style in the process.