For those who are not familiar with his name, I
should inform you that Sivert Hoyem is a Norwegian singer/composer, who was the
singer of the Norwegian band Madrugada. After the band broke up - following the death
of the guitar player Robert Buras - he followed a solo career, and his solo
discography consists of 5 studio albums, with ‘Lioness’ being his new release.
Before
continuing, I should mention that I have been a fan of Madrugada since their
debut album Industrial Silence in 1999. I have all their albums, plus Sivert’s
solo ones, and I have seen him on stage (together with Madrugada or alone) for no
less than 8 times. As you can easily understand I cannot be really objective
here, but I will try to do my best.
For those
who are familiar with his sound, this album will not come as a surprise. Sivert
continues in the same dark/melancholic/tender but also electric style that it has
been his “trademark” let’s say. But there are some differences in comparison with
his previous works. First of all, the
songwriting is improved and the compositions sound more “mature” in a way. In
most occasions the addition of piano and strings is helping the songs, giving a
new perspective to his music.
Sivert is an expert on setting a romantic and
melancholic atmosphere, and in Lioness he does it again in the best way
possible. With his
deep voice accompanied with a variety of instruments he captivates the listener
from the start, with the beautiful Sleepwalking
Man. And that is only the beginning…
The album is bringing so much that one does not
simply be done with one or two spins to get the experience. You will definitely
need a few more listenings in order to appreciate what the album has to offer,
and "sunk" in the warm melancholy of its music.
But on the
other hand, I have the feeling that the second part of the album sounds “weaker”
and that is something I couldn’t possibly explain. Maybe it is just my idea, or
has something to do with my personal taste in music.
My most
beloved songs so far would be: Sleepwalking Man, Lioness and My Thieving Heart.
As for my rating, I would give 3.5 out of 5.0
stars.
By clicking
on the following YT link you will be able to listen to the song Lioness and have
a personal idea.
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