Sad13, the enigmatic solo project of Speedy Ortiz's Sadie Dupuis, has unveiled a highly anticipated mixtape, 1331, marking her first release since 2020's Haunted Paintings. This new project, due out on July 10th via Exploding In Sound Records, is a testament to Dupuis's artistic evolution and resilience. The mixtape's creation was sparked by a personal crisis, a 'mini nervous breakdown' in spring 2024, which provided a unique creative outlet during a challenging period. Despite a bike crash and a shattered elbow that hindered her physical abilities, Dupuis channeled her experiences into a collection of whimsical and noisy tracks, each under a minute in length.
The three songs released in advance of the mixtape offer a glimpse into the diverse sounds of 1331. 'I Am Now Completely Invisible' showcases Dupuis's guitar prowess, while 'Art Institute' pays homage to Björk's influence. The industrial-infused 'Watermelon Manicure' is a powerful response to the fear-mongering around Gaza solidarity encampments, blending mechanical sounds, disconcerting vocals, and digital instruments. These tracks promise a delightful and disorienting listening experience, a perfect blend of whimsical fun and noisy fury.
1331's tracklist reveals a diverse range of themes, from the introspective 'Six Ways' and 'Pretty Little Lifers' to the more aggressive 'People's Loser' and 'Locust Releaser'. The mixtape also includes 'Sorry for Your Entertainment', 'Kissing', and 'Mean, Vindictive, Arrogant', each contributing to a cohesive and captivating narrative. 'Hopeful but Not Optimistic' and 'Third Rodeo' provide a more reflective and introspective side to the project.
The creation of 1331 was a challenging yet transformative journey for Dupuis. Her ability to channel personal struggles into art is a testament to her talent and resilience. As fans eagerly await the full mixtape, they can expect a unique and captivating listening experience that showcases Dupuis's artistic growth and versatility. 1331 is set to be a standout release in 2024, further solidifying Sad13's place in the indie music scene.
