Rona Diaries: The Chamber Versions
Apollon, 2021
8/10
An extremely well done live recording from Grieg Hall, Bergen, we’re treated to string heavy versions of Fredrik Saroea’s Rona Diaries, courtesy of the long running Norway legends, Bit20 Ensemble.
“I’m A Rock” opens the listen with quivering strings, as smooth singing guides the indie-classical ideas, and “Battered & Bruised” follows with strategically plucked strings that are met with much beauty amid the sublime string interaction.
Further on, the twinkling, cinematic moments of “A Matter Of Dying” complement the expressive vocals, while “Understatement Song” is a more intimate affair that recruits sweeping strings as the setting glides a bit quicker.
Closer to the end, “The Family You Got To Choose” emits a very meticulous energy of poetic song craft, and “Heaven Knows Those Songs Weren’t Heaven Sent” exits with a dreamy demeanor that’s quite absorbing.
The bonus tracks include the original Rona Diaries, released in 2021, where the shimmering indie-rock of “The End” won’t go unnoticed, nor will the guitar driven alt-rock of the album’s best, “Bulletproof Vest”. Deeper still, the scrappy “My Borough” sure does spotlight excellent percussion, and “Stray Cats” brings a softer yet exciting display of shiny pop moments.
An excellent outing that showcases so many dimensions to this versatile artist, fans of disco-punk, neo-classical and various ideas related indie-rock will appreciate these songs.
Travels well with: Melt Motif- A White Horse Will Take You Home; Vestamaran- Bungalow Rex