Botanica

Paul Wallfisch has roamed extensively across continents, channeling a lifetime of encounters into his songwriting as frontman of the incisive, hedonistic alternative rock outfit Botanica. Whether funded by family wealth or shrewd investments, the vocalist and composer visited far-flung locales including Indonesia, Finland, China, and Guinea. Although Botanica steers clear of worldbeat territory, its material carries an unmistakable layer of ironic detachment alongside worldly polish. After returning stateside, Wallfisch established himself in Los Angeles and assembled a lineup featuring drummer Ivan Knight, formerly of Stan Ridgway, along with bassist and backing vocalist Abby Travis, known for work with Beck, Elastica, and KMFDM. The group took its name from the enigmatic stores purveying arcane charms and assorted devotional objects. Their resulting release, Malediction, boasts contributions from an array of notable guests such as Daniel Ash, Kid Congo Powers, and Frankie Infante. Powers has since become a frequent collaborator, joining the ensemble onstage and occasionally handling lead vocals. At its core, however, the project centers on Wallfisch, whose smoke-stained delivery, authoritative keyboard and guitar work, and ominous lyricism dominate the proceedings. Malediction veers between ethereal, graceful ballads and jagged, aggressive rock numbers, functioning as a thorough survey of post-punk atmosphere. Though it marked Botanica’s debut, Wallfisch and Knight had previously issued I Am Yours in 1996 on Acetate Records under the moniker Paul Wallfisch & His Band. Relocating to New York City, the songwriter reconstituted the group’s nucleus with guitarist Oren Kaplan of Firewater, drummer Matt Flynn, and bassist Christian Bongers. This rhythm section injects visceral drive into the brooding compositions. Wallfisch maintains a busy schedule, contributing to Tod A.’s klezmer-inflected punk project Firewater and supplying piano for torch singer Sally Norvell. He has also helmed recordings for Love and Rockets and Gene Loves Jezebel while working alongside Friends of Dean Martinez and Stiv Bators. Botanica’s songs have appeared in the films Men Cry Bullets and The Takedown, as well as Greg Pritikin’s Dummy— for which Wallfisch additionally composed the score—featuring Milla Jovovich, Adrien Brody, and Illeana Douglas. A variation of the band, with Jovovich on vocals, surfaces in the movie under the name Botanica Bulgar Ensemble.