Brave
Roots And Ramblers, 2022
8/10
A Swedish singer-songwriter who made quite an impression with 2020’s Train Stories, these 10 new songs from Su Andersson land in pop-rock territory, and welcome several kinds of guitars to the keys and synth.
“Japanese Tea” opens the listen with twinkling piano, as Andersson’s expressive singing enters the atmospheric and emotive climate, and “Southern Belle” follows with more emphasis on drums amid the breezy melodies and poetic appeal.
Elsewhere, “Limits” emits a very playful demeanor with its vocal harmonies and warm rhythm, while “Northern Light”, one of the fullest selections, benefits from Americana influenced guitar work.
Close to the end, the sublime intimacy of “Turquoise And Rust” is full of powerful singing amid the cautious keys, firm drums and intricate guitar, and “Missing It All” exits the listen with an organic energy you could dance to.
Andersson takes help from the producer Henning Sernhede, who contributes electric and acoustic guitar, mando guitar and sitar guitar, keys and synth, and Jonas Abrahamsson plays drums and piano. Add in a few guests on backing vocals, and you’ve got a very worldly version of pop-rock that’s textured precisely and highly memorable.
Travels well with: Monica Taylor- Trains, Rivers & Trails; David Newbould- Sin & Redemption