‘Gliding and Hiding is a fairly uncategorisable release: a sort of mini-album whose first half is simply a re-release of Spigel’s 2014 EP, ‘Gliding’, while the second half is reworked recordings of material from her 1994 EP, ‘Hide’. There’s undeniable odds’n’sods energy present, but plenty of variety and style to be found across these 35 minutes.
‘Strumgliding’ appeared on both releases, but is presented here in its “full” seven minutes. It’s a glacially -paced rocker that evokes the polished movement of its title with shoegaze textures that float by, only occasionally punctuated by a light intoning of the title phrase. This opening half is a lot more cohesive than the latter, with a reverby ’90s rock sound that would’ve fit in with similar hazy-tempered acts like Mazzy Star or Slowdive.
‘Hide’ immediately flips the record with its 30 year old house drums, but it’s nicely brought into the 21st century with subtle synths that are much en vogue at present. Although the repeated refrain of “you don’t have to hide” feels very ’90s. It’s an odd amalgamation, like Beach House covering Underworld. ‘I Just Want’ ups the ante further with unashamed breakbeats that are undercut by soft vocals and guitar plucks which creates the odd sensation of downtempo, despite the high BPM (Lemon Jelly, anyone?).
There are two songs sung in Hebrew on each side, providing essentially the only link between the halves, and they’re both excellent. Eschewing the studio trickery or retro nostalgia, they’re simply normal, good songs, in the most complimentary way. ‘Besof Hayom’ originally appeared on Spigel’s 1993 debut, and it feels timeless here: catchy, pretty without any bells or whistles, it might be the best song of the whole release.
It doesn’t feel like this mini-album is seeking to drum up new fans for the 67 year old multi-disciplinarian, more just a way to get out some nice tunes and provide a reminder of a creatively restless career.