If the name Valentina (a.k.a. Valentina Pappalardo) means anything to you, it’s most likely as the singer and co-writer of Joe Goddard’s 2011 single “Gabriel,” a masterpiece of latter-day garage that bumped and flexed like a runaway Slinky. In April, she’ll release her solo debut, once again on Greco-Roman. “Wolves,” co-produced with her friend Kwes, is a very different kind of beast, and an even more impressive showcase of Valentina’s supple, expressive voice. Flush with pianos and strings, it moves with a liquid grace recalling Kate Bush circa Hounds of Love; it’s as buoyant as the forest canopy and as velvety as the shadows beneath.
While you’re awaiting the EP’s release, revel in this remix from Roman Flügel, an all-around legend of Germany’s electronic music scene. He hones in on the grain of the tune with a woodpecker’s sense of focus — tok-tok-tok, tok-tok-tok — laying down a betwitching, mid-tempo groove and drawing out Valentina’s voice like the last frames of a fading dream.
