Archive for the ‘Ane Brun’ Category
Ane Brun – Changing of the Seasons Review
Ane Brun had a busy year, releasing both Changing of the Seasons, her first studio album in three years, and Sketches, acoustic versions of the songs on Changing plus two bonus tracks. The overall tone of this collection of break-up songs is undeniably sad, like a heart dragged through the mud and haunted by an ex-lover whose ghost pops up in every minute of this slow-like-honey effort.
Scandanavia has produced a sizeable quantity of talent in the last few years, generally doing so with style and originality. Unfortunately, this Joni Mitchell of Scandanavia makes a contribution too middle-of-the-road and not nearly as engaging as her contemporaries. Perhaps she was too heartbroken to take chances? That said, Brun’s distinctive voice atones for the insipid songwriting and snail’s pace.
“The Treehouse Song” is something Jolie Holland or Be Good Tanyas might long to call their own, with a propelling bass line and her warbling voice (eerily similar to Dolly Parton) springing along like it’s “made of gold”. The percussion and Valgeir Sirgurdsson’s (Björk, Múm, Cocorosie) production are just right. There’s no mistaking Brun’s vocal skills, particularly when she sings harmonies on “The Fall” and the Tori Amos-esque “Ten Seconds” – layer upon layer of sparklingly clear melodies.
“My Star”, with its deceptively simple arrangement, flaunts her voice and poetic, thoughtful lyrics: “you are so far the one who makes me better”. Harmonies push and pull like the tide and the mandolin really shines. On vibraphone-heavy “The Puzzle”, Brun conjures up a 70s-era Stevie Nicks in the woods, surrounded by magic mushrooms and forest creatures. Her voice is as beautiful as a shining moon reflected in a placid lake in “Changing of the Seasons”, even when shrouded in heartbreak, a string section and the sadness of a “disenchanted life”.
“Lullaby for Grown-ups” reminds us that “there are a million ways to die” and dips a little too heavily into folk tradition, as does “Raise My Head”. It’s about this far into the album that Brun’s limited imagination runs its course. Luckily, the playful “Armour” gives piano (and peace) a chance, and like a feather on the wind, it waltzes along on the strength of Brun’s voice and gorgeous cello.
“Don’t Leave” teeters on the edge of blandness until the drums and a choir-like refrain come in and save the song from perishing in acoustic boredom. “Linger With Pleasure” is a song to cry to – several cinematic minutes carried by piano and memory. “I hope life will miss me”, Brun sings, as if saying goodbye. For a young artist who has not yet lived up to her voice’s potential, let’s hope that’s not the case.
Since it’s Christmas Eve, here’s Ane Brun’s version of Paul McCartney’s grating classic:
MP3:
Ane Brun – Armour
Ane Brun – My Star
