Center Of The Universe
Makaki, 2023
9/10
Listen to Center Of The Universe
The Swedish folk and Americana artist Sofia Talvik brings her nordic approach to songwriting across this 9th album that doesn’t shy away from the Laurel Canyon sound or bluegrass nods, too.
“Circle Of Destruction” opens the listen with Talvik’s soft and eloquent singing alongside the cozy acoustic guitar of the gentle folk strummer, and the title track follows with a dreamy presence that comes with expressive vocals amid the strong attention to mood.
“Boy Soldier” occupies the middle spot, and is a more lush offering of poetic and stirring songwriting, while “Meanwhile In Winnsboro” is quite minimal, and radiates a cautious warmth that’s reflective in tone.
Nearing the end, “Broken” is packed with beauty amid the layered voices, and “Oh California” is a bit fuller with emphasis on drumming for the breezy melodies.
Talvik covers topics like the Ukraine War, American women’s rights, missing children in the US and the struggle of domestic violence survivors, and it's all done with incredible poise.
Travels well with: Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November; Sarah McQuaid- The St Buryan Sessions