This collection of eight short songs explores a number of emotionally charged states which are complimented by the intimate production, and uncluttered instrumentation.
Some songs are beautifully unsettling. Sometimes they feel like a hug from a treasured friend. The album, being mostly Silje singing solo, with few harmonies, allows her voice to shine. It’s important to me that singers are free of artifice and affectation. With Silje, what you get is the full, expressive tone of a singer who doesn’t need to impress with vocal gymnastics, showy vocal runs, vocal fry, or emotional overacting. It feels as if Silje is wearing her heart on her sleeve. An honest rendition of the lyrical mood.
I mentioned in my review of her excellent 2023 album, Whispers, I found her voice reminiscent of Sixties era singers, like Dusty Springfield. But on this album, I wasn’t searching for comparison. The songs themselves sound simple but bely their sophistication. There is a hint in the songwriting of Björn Ulvaeus’s more soul searching, less pop-orientated music. Silje explores her range, her voice echoes the sophistication of the songwriting. Sound design is subtle, but there. Sometimes uplifting, sometimes melancholic, Silje’s voice beautifully complements the mood of each song.
The haunting coda of the closing title track almost feels like a question mark, casting some doubt as to whether the Sun will prevail. But of course, it will… it always will.
When writing reviews, I seldom read he promotional materials, preferring to give an honest account of my thoughts while listening to the album.
After writing this review I decided I would see if I’d missed the mark in terms of the artist’s description of the album. I was somewhat embarrassed to find that after putting so much thought into this review, it felt very much as if I was simply paraphrasing parts of the press release. But then, it shows that Silje and Rhys have, with the songs and production on this album, successfully accomplished their mission, and they should be congratulated.
TRACK LISTING
01. Stolen Moments (5:20)
02. The Sixth (4:40)
03. Control (3:24)
04. Jupiter (4:22)
05. Eon (4:13)
06. If You Don’t Need Me (4:10)
07. The Longest Of Winters (3:13)
08. Sun Will Prevail (4:17)
Total Time – 33:39
MUSICIANS
Silje Marsh – Vocals, Piano
Rhys Marsh – Synths, Guitars, Drums
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Burning Shed
Country of Origin: Norway
Date of Release: 22nd August 2025
