Wrapped In Paper
Makaki, 2025
9/10
The Swedish vocalist Sofia Talvik fleshes out a 2nd holiday album, where 10 originals and 2 covers emits cinematic ideas that might bring to mind Nick Drake, Bob Dylan or Judy Collins.
Talvik’s elegant voice opens the warm spirit of “Let Peace Be The Song”, and “At Christmas” follows with scrappy drumming and stirring guitar playing that uses strings strategically.
The title track lands in the middle and recruits glowing pedal steel via the intimate setting that allows for Talvik’s stunning voice to shine, while “Poem At Year’s End” floats with a charming dreaminess that’s indeed poetic and heartfelt.
Landing close to the end, “This Mess We’re In” uses the drums and bass with much grace amid the colorful singing and light grooves, and “Merry Christmas, Adios So Long” finishes with more emphasis on strings that swirls with sophistication.
A diverse effort that spans protest balladry, folk-rock fun and pensive moments, Talvik’s pipes are captivating and the songs lull us into a cozy, comfortable space.
Travels well with: Hansan- Vargar; Sofia Talvik- Center Of The Universe