Review Summary: Haunting beauty
Kalandra's 2020 album "The Line" is a stunning and emotive collection of tracks that showcase the Norwegian band's impressive musicianship and songwriting skills. With a sound that blends elements of folk, rock, and electronica, Kalandra delivers an expansive and atmospheric record that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply affecting.
The album opens with the haunting "Borders," a track that sets the tone for what's to come with its eerie instrumentation and powerful vocals. Singer Katrine Stenbekk's voice is a highlight throughout the album, effortlessly shifting between delicate and vulnerable to soaring and powerful. The production on "The Line" is also top-notch, with a wide sonic palette that includes lush strings, atmospheric synths, and driving percussion.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Slow Motion," which begins with a slow, mournful violin before building into a driving, guitar-heavy chorus. The track is a powerful meditation on grief and loss, with Stenbekk's vocals conveying a raw, visceral emotion that is impossible to ignore.
Another highlight is "Naive," a track that combines electronic beats with soaring vocal harmonies to create a hypnotic and entrancing sound. The lyrics are also particularly poignant, with Stenbekk singing about the importance of breaking down barriers and connecting with others.
Throughout the album, Kalandra explores a range of themes and emotions, from love and loss to hope and resilience. The final track, "It Gets Easier," is a perfect example of the band's ability to blend these elements together seamlessly. The song begins with a mournful piano before building into a soaring chorus that is both melancholic and uplifting.
Overall, "The Line" is a stunning and deeply affecting album that showcases Kalandra's incredible musicianship and songwriting skills. From the haunting opening notes to the cathartic final chords, the album is a powerful journey through the highs and lows of the human experience, and a testament to the transformative power of music.
