Sleeping Dog - Polar Life

Sleeping Dog is the recording name of Belgium’s Chantal Acda, whose second album ‘Polar Life’ is released through Leeds-based Gizeh Records. Opening song ‘Prophets’ sets the scene for those which follow; its breathtakingly delicate vocals almost whispered over a sparse piano accompaniment with hints of xylophone. ‘Your Eyes’, shows a similar approach, with its evocative piano throughout. Lyrically, Acda is inspired by nature: “We walked through fields of wild flowers”. And according to her press notes, the climate and landscape of Iceland have been a starting point for her work, and with her template of crystal-clear vocals overlaid onto a shimmering backdrop, this inspiration really comes across; you can genuinely imagine this album as the soundtrack to a road trip through some volcanic landscape.

 

The title track ‘Polar Life’ has a distinctive, dreamy melody; however, the highlight of the album is unquestionably ‘The Sun Sinks in the Sea’. With its melancholic piano chords, it’s a truly affecting track, and it comes as no surprise to learn that it was inspired by Icelandic poetry. ‘Sunshine Delight’ is a track so delicate it makes you feel almost protective towards it, and ‘When it Lies is all breezy gorgeousness.

 

The closing song is a cover of ‘If Only’ by Sophia, a song which Acda claims as her own. And this really is the key to the album’s success: it feels as if Acda is an artist with a clear vision of what she wants to achieve. However, she is also unafraid to collaborate, and the album also features Adam Wiltzie from Stars of the Lid and Rickard Knox of Gizeh labelmates Glissando. There are some similarities with the latter, for example, in the way both bands have an intensity at their core, achieved more through simplification than elaboration. It is only towards the end of ‘Polar Life’, for instance, that you realise there has been almost no percussion throughout. 

 

Overall, this is an album of rare beauty that offers a real balm for the soul.

Nicholas Stevenson - Demo Review

Originally from Cambridge, but currently finding residence in rural Herefordshire, Nicholas Stevenson has cast aside his hazy past amongst the world of guitar rock in favour of a new, acoustic singer-songwriter approach; releasing his debut demo into an audience that couldn’t be more ready for the change.

The first track, “Tip Toes”, highlights just how worthwhile the shift has been. Lusciously smooth acoustic guitar lines and subtly reverberant piano stand as the only accompaniment to Nick’s melancholically moving melodic vocal performance. Taking the listener on a journey through hope, loves and losses, this Lo-Fi garageband recording carries with it a certain raw intensity songwriters three times as experienced would sell their guitars to gain.

Second Track, “New year Waterloo Station”, brings something entirely different to the table. Still here are the desperately emotive vocals, but here too are programmed drums and distorted guitars, giving an entirely new dynamic to Nick’s songwriting. Crashing influences of Death Cab for Cutie, Sonic Youth and Elliott Smith become increasingly evident as this track’s rich instrumentation parades itself upon the listener

This debut solo demo shows great promise from a real songwriting talent who, with full band on the cards, is certainly worth looking into.

http://www.myspace.com/sirnicholasstevenson

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