"If I had a voice I would sing"
I discovered Fever Ray through The Knife, which I previously discovered through this awesome individual. Fever Ray is the solo project of Karin Dreijer Andersson, half of the brother-sister duo that is The Knife. Based in Sweden, the sound almost conjures what one would think of as distinctly 'Scandinavian'. I don't know which one more so, The Knife or Fever Ray. However, since this is a Fever Ray review, onward we go with Andersson's solo work.
Although I just talked about The Knife, this is not by any means a new Knife album. While it's hard to avoid the similarities, both electronic, and both featuring Andersson on vocals, they are not one in the same. Fever Ray's music seems more sparse and organic and altogether less urgent. Her lyrics also seem to be a touch more personal. Though as in The Knife, just as cryptic. You think you maybe kind of sort of know what the song is about, but in the end you probably don't. As with her work with her brother, she obscures her face behind face paint or masks. "I think the music should be able to stand for itself without interfering..." she says.
The music of this album is difficult to describe. Sometimes with heavy beats and sometimes with light pings, the listener can feel like they are in a dark room with Andersson in one track and then wandering through a snow covered forest the next. Unsure of where each song will lead you: To a wide open field or to an intimate meeting between long lost friends? This album frequently brings to mind an image: a place, a person, a certain setting, a memory. There is darkness here in the music, I picture a dense forest covered in snow just around dusk. There's a depression, but a hope as well. It will make you feel empty but at the same time feel a singular determination.
It's hard not to be vague when describing the self-titled album of Fever Ray. She is able to enhance a certain mood with her voice along with the electronic music. Therefore this album can be considered a personal journey, both for the listener and for Andersson. For me, this wasn't just a way to tide myself over until the release of a new Knife album, but a journey off the beaten path with Andersson as guide. A guide that doesn't talk or explain, but rather sings in her entrancing voice that I can't seem to get enough of.
Although I just talked about The Knife, this is not by any means a new Knife album. While it's hard to avoid the similarities, both electronic, and both featuring Andersson on vocals, they are not one in the same. Fever Ray's music seems more sparse and organic and altogether less urgent. Her lyrics also seem to be a touch more personal. Though as in The Knife, just as cryptic. You think you maybe kind of sort of know what the song is about, but in the end you probably don't. As with her work with her brother, she obscures her face behind face paint or masks. "I think the music should be able to stand for itself without interfering..." she says.
The music of this album is difficult to describe. Sometimes with heavy beats and sometimes with light pings, the listener can feel like they are in a dark room with Andersson in one track and then wandering through a snow covered forest the next. Unsure of where each song will lead you: To a wide open field or to an intimate meeting between long lost friends? This album frequently brings to mind an image: a place, a person, a certain setting, a memory. There is darkness here in the music, I picture a dense forest covered in snow just around dusk. There's a depression, but a hope as well. It will make you feel empty but at the same time feel a singular determination.
It's hard not to be vague when describing the self-titled album of Fever Ray. She is able to enhance a certain mood with her voice along with the electronic music. Therefore this album can be considered a personal journey, both for the listener and for Andersson. For me, this wasn't just a way to tide myself over until the release of a new Knife album, but a journey off the beaten path with Andersson as guide. A guide that doesn't talk or explain, but rather sings in her entrancing voice that I can't seem to get enough of.
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