Trusting Theta is an album imbued with both Irish and Ancient Greek mythology, capturing moments of sapphic love, friendship, defiance, reclaiming strength and seeking to regain female power that has been worn down over the centuries. From the 3D rendered cover art reclaiming the story of Medusa, to making the listener lose themselves on the dancefloor myths and legends have always made queer identities visible, and Or:la draws on her rural Irish roots to conjure up celtic legends in modern day storytelling. Cutting across genres, collaborations, stories, and sound, Trusting Theta puts the listener in a whole new state of mind.
Even with the strong themes that lace this album together, there are tracks of introspection which standalone as beautiful pieces. Each track is reflective of a different intimacy, some more outwardly obvious than others. “Cupid Doesn’t Live In Clapham Common” feels tender, once again a nod to Greek mythology. The tale of Cupid and Psyche is a difficult love story of overcoming obstacles to ultimately end up with your love; yet the ultimate truth is that you’re not Psyche, and the difficult love you find in your big city is not your Cupid. And yet tracks such as “Fired Up” differ by offering a more forceful, dance-focussed energy via choppy percussive elements and effective synth lines.
With the collaborations on this album feeling like genuine moments of connection, they are the only voices we hear in our ears as they speak their truth. On opening track “Milky Way Of Glitter”, we hear Derry’s SOAK command attention by reciting poetry, an appreciation of the oral histories which are referenced throughout. On “Cooking Up Pepper Spray With Mary Lake”, featuring Mary Leake, the two artists repair the balance of justice by making their own pepper spray following the criminalisation of it. Their actions are purposeful as they guide us on the constructed rhythm on how to regain some sort of freedom. Whereas the distinct voice of Eliza Rose on “Slay The Beast” is an instrument, as her vocals glide across the track with a calm strength and underlying rage. Or:la constantly seeks to create community and highlight voices that need to be heard.
Trusting Theta is a compilation of female and queer resistance. Her skills as a musician are undeniable, but this album demonstrates her immeasurable contribution to dance culture as a whole. She will command attention and put the listener in a theta state.