See You Swoon
Waterfall Of Colours, 2019
9/10
Now residing in the country, the Lausanne based artist Soften, i.e. Nils Aellen and contributors, takes influence from his new surroundings on this acoustic focused album that’s quite possibly his most intimate and personal to date.
The album starts with the soothing sounds of “Twice The Cost”, as smooth vocals glide alongside beats and synth in the alt-pop setting, and “Neon Demon” follows with acoustic guitars that builds into a folk-influenced and pop friendly atmosphere where drum fills and ‘80s synth leave an impression.
Further along, “Classical” certainly does bring in classical ideas with moody strings amid the subdued delivery and top notch fingerpicking, while the title track finds a more indie-rock place to reside, complete with a chorus you won’t forget anytime soon.
Back half highlights include the vocally expressive and somewhat haunting “Slow Burn”, and “Sleep No More” flows with an emotive quality that brings to mind Elliott Smith with its breathy singing and simple but effective guitar work. “True Love” ends the listen with atmosphere and an artistic quality that puts the exclamation on this superb record.
Extremely well done indie sounds from Switzerland, Soften have been at it since 2006 and it shows in the fluid and thoughtful song craft present on See You Swoon. If artists like the aforementioned Smith or Peasant are of any interest you, Soften will strike a chord, too.
Travels well with: Marinho- tilde; Jonah Tolchin- Fires For The Cold