Raised-in-Carolina is a blog dedicated to music, film, culture, fashion, the arts and everything inbetween from the view point of two editors and guest writers.
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FEVER RAY
On first listen, this album struck me as something I'd been waiting to hear in ages. Something immersive and enchanting that reminded me just how captivating 10 songs can be. One member of electronica outfit 'The Knife', Karin Dreijer Andersson returns under the moniker 'Fever Ray'. With her musical heritage, a lot was riding on her debut solo recording, but fear not, anticipated fans of Karin's earlier work have something to be excited about.
Looming soundscapes combined with ethereal melodies establish the tone of the record while Karin's (at times harrowing) vocals give it an otherworldly ambience. 'Seven' draws upon The Knife's electro-pop origins yet still creates something distinctly unique on Karin's solo effort. The sound is darker, more atmospheric and consuming. This being one of the albums more accessible tracks has spawned remixes by the likes of CSS and Martyn. 'When I Grow Up' introduces a childlike dialogue that creates a mood that is both innocent and fanciful. The song starts with what sounds like a heart beat which beautifully compliments the lyrics that convey human nature and the world around us.
Fever Ray seems as though it is something Karin has evolved into, something she has crafted and made completely her own (and quite a sharp contrast if you look back to her days with 'Honey Is Cool'). It's as though she has retreated away to some remote location, got lost in her own imagination and subsequently recorded one of the years most interesting and unique sounding releases. Add in beautifully art directed music videos, a meticulously crafted cover artwork and theatrical live sets and Fever Ray is an experience that goes far beyond the playlist.