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a r t i s t :: Solander
t i t l e :: Monochromatic Memories
d a t e :: 2014-00-00
l a b e l :: Tendervision Recording
g e n r e :: Indie
s o u r c e :: CD
b i t r a t e :: 223 kbps avg
e n c o d e r :: LAME 3.98.4 -V 0
t r a c k s :: 10
p l a y t i m e :: 44:10
s i z e :: 70.58MB
tracklist
1 The Woods Are Gone 4:15
2 All Opportunities 4:52
3 Monday Afternoon 2:47
4 Preludium 4:32
5 Black Rug 5:20
6 Hey Wolf 4:49
7 Social Scene 3:40
8 London Marbles 3:48
9 Monochromatic Memories 4:38
10 Lighthouse 5:29
releasenotes
There are albums that lend themselves perfectly to those cold, contemplative
winter days. They make a place for themselves in our speakers and fill our
spaces with warm instrumentation and introspection. ItÆs hardly a shock then
that a number of Scandinavian bands in the far northern reaches of Europe have
been providing us with a number of such records over the last few years. Lets
face it, they know winter. Swedish duo SolanderÆs third album is no exception
and with lush instrumentation and lilting vocals Monochromatic Memories
creates a dense forest of sounds and imagery to wander through.
Solander get things off to a good start with lead single ôThe Woods are Goneö,
a haunting track that commands attention with its quiet, sure-footed
confidence, sweeping melodies and driving percussion. These elements are
manifest in each and every track of the record even as the overall pace stays
a bit more subdued. There are no raucous jams on here, and even the more
uptempo songs such as ôMonday Afternoonsö and ôSocial Sceneö belie pensive and
somber lines. Cause for this melancholic tone can be found in the bandÆs bio
in which singer/guitarist Fredrik Karlsson is quoted saying, ôWhen we were in
the U.S. the last time, we suffered a great loss. After that, it was
impossible to focus on anything else.ö Given this context the album proves
itself to be a heartfelt meditation on grief and loss, yet one that avoids
wallowing or self-pity. Though the lyrics are wistful, the music is often
hopeful, even joyous, providing a tension within the songs that makes them
more vibrant with each listen.
Highly recommended for fans folk-tinged sounds of Sigur Ross, Lightning Dust,
and fellow countrymen Junip, with whom the band will soon tour. Monochromatic
Memories is easily the bandÆs best effort to date and finds Solander in
perfect form with Anja LinnaÆs beautifully sanguine cello and synth melodies
perfectly balanced with KarlssonÆs delicate guitar work. This is a finely
crafted album where every sound has its place and whose dense soundscapes
provides the perfect company for a snowy winterÆs day.
www.solander.se
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Solander-Monochromatic_Memories-(TVR038)-CD-2014-k4