de
Montevert – de Montevert (No Method Records)
LP
/ CD / DL
Out
Now
8.5
/ 10
Swedish classically trained cellist and sound engineer
release her debut album.
The debut eponymously titled album from Ellinor
Nilsson (aka de Montevert) is quite an accomplishment. Brimming over with moody, dark alternative
pop seems effortless – and more importantly sounding like someone who has been
making albums for quite some time.
Ellinor’s voice is like that of a gravelled
angel, it is raw and uncomplicated but at the same time exudes a wonderful calm
with every note. Set against the often
brash instrumentation and lovingly constructed melodies it is an album which
demands several listens.
With subject matters of love and betrayal prominent
over the nine tracks, it is an emotional journey through some quite stunning
pieces of work. October 11th
is one such track which over five minutes contains just voice and minimal
tones. The strap line of “It should have
been me” is presented with pity and hurt and makes the track an overwhelming
success.
And it’s not all sultry infinitesimal either,
It’s Alright I’m Probably Dreaming the lead track from the album moves along
like an old stream train with a continual bass beat and subtle drum beat. Like
the rest of the album, it is addictive and holds an incredible amount of charm.
Produced by young Swedish singer Kalle
Johansson and recorded on the outskirts of Umea in the north of the Country
much of the album consists of first takes and live recordings. It is perhaps this approach that gives the
album life and instils a warmth and enthusiastic final result.
Album closer Ode To Mental Instability tells
its own story and is a well-placed track as a gentle but persuasive ending, but
Summer Heart sits perfectly midway through with a vocal style not unlike that
of 2003 Fame Academy winner Alex Parks.
Let’s Not Run Away Together has hints of
Country again with an infectious sound and Close Encounter experiments with
Blues over an eerie empty backing. A
fine debut from Ellinor and one which holds promise if she can maintain the
style which she seems to have made her own.
Links
No Method Records
De Montevert website
De Montevert on Twitter
De Montevert on Facebook
Published on Louder Than War 17/03/16 - here
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