Record Reviews

ALICE & THE MOUNTAIN ~ STRIPPED LOSEN 293 (Barcode: 7090025832932) ~ NORWAY ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2014 Released: 2024 This is an album by Norwegian singer / songwriter Silje KafjordFind albums by this artist, who uses the moniker Alice & The MountainFind albums by this artist, recorded in a duo format with pianist Bernt MoenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which were composed by Kafjord and one co-composed with Moen. The lyrics (in English) are (assumably) by Kafjord. The music is as intimate and “naked” as possible, recorded live in the studio with an upright piano and natural echo, similar to home recordings done in the distant past (like the 1960s). This special approach creates a charming, albeit somewhat naïve atmosphere, and the music lacks dynamics. This combined with the somewhat limited melodic scope, make this album sound somewhat “primitive” in today’s standards. But the music is honest and heartfelt, and completely different from today’s studio trickery and artificial effects, and as such has its charm and natural beauty. Kafjord has a playful, almost childish approach to her vocal delivery, which again is charming in a way. Overall, this is a nice, and quite unusually simplistic sound-wise album in today’s standard, but the minimalism and directness are refreshing and surprisingly pleasant. For listeners, who like unusual Pop, singer / songwriter material sung with a slightly foreign accent, but charming anyway.

Updated: 07/09/2024Posted: 07/09/2024

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