Lykke Li: Youth Novels
Saturday, 07 Jun 2008 14:35
Lykke Li releases debut album Youth Novels
LL Recordings, out June 9th.
In a nutshell...
Beautiful, eclectic, stark...Lagom.
What's it all about?
Youth Novels is the first album from Swedish indie songstress Lykke Li (Zachrisson). Li's music is kooky and unusual, but with a pop quality that is incredibly radio-friendly. And you certainly get a chance to sample the breadth of her repertoire from the fourteen tracks on Youth Novels; from bombastic baritone saxophone solos to evocatively breathy choruses, this album does everything, and does everything well.
Who's it by?
Lykke Li is the latest Scandinavian indie act to hit the mainstream. Following in the footsteps of the likes of the Concretes and Sigur Ros, the 22-year-old Swede brings together eclectic sounds and enchanting melodies with her clear, down-to-earth vocals. Likened to Regina Spektor, Li is tipped to be the next flourishing solo female artist on the indie music scene.
As an example...
"And for you I keep my/Legs apart, and forget/About my tainted heart." – Little Bit
"You say you can't stand me when I'm quiet, and so I shot you with my silence." – This Trumpet in My Head
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
As a female solo artist with a strong album behind her, it's only a matter of time before she is internationally recognised. Definitely a contender, albeit a more alternative choice.
What the others say
"It's a restrained and striking piece which actually seems contrived to leave the listener wanting more, synthy murmurs and mandolin hook all doffing respectful caps to her breathy, bit-rude vocal." – Drowned in Sound, reviewing single Little Bit.
So is it any good?
There's a word in Swedish which means 'just right' – Lagom. This album is its embodiment – it is poised perfectly between fragile and resilient. On first listening, the 14 songs are stylistically beautiful – Li utilising a range of sounds (mandolins and baritone saxes feature, as well as eclectic percussion arrangements) and layering one sound over the other. Sweet, soft, tuneful vocals are juxtaposed with mellow trumpets and booming drums. Li's voice is especially reminiscent of Victoria Bergsman's (formerly of the Concretes) fragile and ethereal singing. Listen more closely and the lyrics are unexpectedly dark and hard-hitting; however, despite lines like "these razors cutting sharp and/Leaves me with an ever bleeding scar", the music is far from self-pitying and wallowing. The starkness of the lyrics only serves to highlight the delicious tension between the delicate and tough aspects of Li's music.
8/10
Rebecca Heath