Review Summary: Tender and bittersweet
Thomas Dybdahl returned to California to work with producer Larry Klein on his 10th studio album. The minimalist setting of Pioneertown seems to have inspired the Norwegian artist to go back to basics. He kept his compositions as bare-boned as possible this time. Instead of adding full band treatment to them, he enlisted Vince Mendoza (Metropole Orkest, Bjork, among others) to write parts for a full string ensemble. Thus, we received a blend of acoustic and orchestral arrangements that offer one of the most intimate records Dybdahl penned so far. A nod to his early years perhaps, the man sang some of his most vulnerable lyrics on
Teenage Astronauts. We can hear tales of lost friendships over the decades, reminiscing youth, as well as growing older, all set over beautiful yet bittersweet melodies. “Graffiti Boy”, “Sea Turtles” & the title track represent best this current project, featuring lush chord picking, enhanced by gorgeous string leads. Thomas whispers and croons his words throughout as if sitting right next to you. Like warm waves, the orchestra’s progressions wash over the delicate guitars in a rich, euphoric manner. Meanwhile, “All for a Girl” and “Beautiful Boy” insert some electronic elements amid charming violins and piano lines. Toying with volumes to enhance dynamics, the instruments go from barely audible notes to dense choruses. Each bit was very attentively crafted, especially since this is a 30-minute affair.
The remaining tracks on this rather succinct LP emphasize Dybdahl’s songwriting, while keeping the strings low key alongside the acoustic guitar. “Rocket Ship” feels like a late night solo performance, whose slow, gentle strums flow smooth with his silky voice, whereas the pastoral “There Is No One Else on Earth” sounds akin to a mellow traveling scene from a Western movie. Thomas has come a long way since his debut in 2000, however, any of the songs here would fit like a glove on
That Great October Sound, for example. The artist truly developed a style of his own and continues to hone it. The songs have only become richer and more sophisticated. At this point, it seems he can do no wrong and
Teenage Astronauts turned out to be another splendid addition to his catalog. It can be seen as both an updated version of his early works and a step forward into his career.
