Exquisite, delicate, ethereal finger-picking folk by the Norwegian singer-songwriter in this third album, one that poetically and musically inhabits a mysterious half-dream state flitting between two worlds. Joined in particular by multi-instrumentalist and co-producer Stian Skaaden, it’s a odder, more playful release than 2023’s Carvings, the songs recorded in quiet corners of her home, on the piano in the school where she works, and it uses the physical world around her to provide percussion. While there are many beautifully written lyrics, the experience is more immersive, one of feeling and simplicity, an outdoor sense of physical joy and daydreaming, like taking in an Impressionistic painting rather honing in on small detail. That said, there are certain highlights, such as in the title track, comes this outer-body experience with vivid and repeated phrasing: “See how your face / How it bathes/ In the light from the fire / You're knocked down in your body/ You’ll find out what hides/ What hides / And you’ll realize / Realize / Rеalize / When I look at photographs / Turning evеry stone in the search / Of your own mind.” Other standouts include opener Another High, the gently shuffling rhythm and pedal steel (with Herman Wildhagen) of the vivid, evocative country-ish instrumental Pearl Cloud Song, the fragility of Tessa, the playful staccato arpeggios of Sage (“Each time that I go out / I sink into a veil of hidden vows / Some that I can assemble, Some that I can unfold …” drawing on snapshots of stars and time, Colours Close to Me, and the almost valedictory but bittersweet beauty of the closer Statues. Delicate, gorgeous, otherworldly. Out on Basin Rock.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
Feel free to recommend more new songs and albums and comment below. You can also use the contact page, or find more on social media: Song Bar X, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube, and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share.
Song Bar is non-profit and is simply about sharing great music. We don’t do clickbait or advertisements. Please make any donation to help keep the Bar running: