Review Summary: here's your present
Look, I know we’re deep (
deep) into year-end list week, or for those with more of a life than me, late-December celebrations with loved ones. You’re probably not looking for new music - but have you ever considered what gems you might be missing out on? What about those poor albums that, for reasons unknown, are unleashed towards the very, very end of the year?
Alright, FOMO instilled and empathy activated, allow me to tell you about some quality doomgaze that entered the world on December 22nd, 2023: Shedfromthebody’s
Amare. This project, masterminded by the Finnish Suvi Savikko, might not adhere to
tactical release dates, but the icy tones of her third record are a perfect fit for the barren landscapes of early winter. Its songs are dense, drawn out and dynamic, allowing Savikko’s hauntingly airy vocals to solidify a rather pristine and oppressive atmosphere. Opening cut “Titania” instantly showcases Shedfromthebody’s ability to contrast the intense with the ethereal, while the expansive slow-burner “Hush” makes for a gorgeous highlight that grows more and more daunting as it reveals its many layers of reverb.
Even though the second half of the record does not quite live up to the excellence of its first four tracks,
Amare presents an immersive half-hour experience that has enough diversity and sonic subtleties to keep me interested throughout and wishing for more. If anything, Shedfromthebody is showing some serious potential - perhaps the next album could be released in, say, mid-November or mid-January (manifesting). This music deserves your patience, it deserves to be heard - and you deserve to hear it. Happy list wee-, uh, holidays.
