Sometimes, even knowing the propensity for Press Releases to target and spin descriptions, you can be blindsided and this little package from Svarti Loghin (Black Flame) is a case in point. You know when you listen to Ulver and even though the music is resolutely not metal, their roots somehow show? Faintly at times, but still there for those who know what to look for? Well Svarti Loghin apparently have roots in black metal. I wouldn't have known they had roots in any form of metal if I had stumbled across this EP. There is not even a hint here. Barely even a suggestion of soft rock. And before you go guessing, unless the simple presence of a flute is all you need, no folk either.
Country. This is country, folks. No Grandma's feather beds or dying dogs though thank the Elder Gods.
It lays out its gentle stall with 'Cloud Man', a sweet instrumental on lightly strummed guitar joined by flute that is kind of a sparkly winter day tune, a relaxing stroll through woods with a certain something that can't fail to bring a smile to me.
'Sea Of Green' brings in the vocals. They are of course clean; melodic and slightly hushed they carry the tune well enough without being strong enough to be the focus and the song bobs and weaves it's light way through the evergreen branches in a charming easy manner. It is, if like myself you have a niche for the quiet acoustic style in your heart, very easy to settle back into and enjoy. Comforting and reassuring music.
'Transparent' dips closest to the negative rock that the PR noted. There's a distinct Alice In Chains 'Jar Of Flies' sound to the downbeat vocals and the falling guitar notes and chords. It is a rather haunting piece, ethereal in its soft, grey fingers but it finds its way inside and rests there for a few sweet minutes of contemplation. Elegant and skilfully woven stuff.
The jangly guitars of the curiously titled 'Celestial Bound In Cosmic Infinity' brings another jaunty air that would terrify the average bedroom depressive black metal guy struggling with a song of similar title: it dances a graceful tune and sunlit style before bowing and giving way to the end instrumental ' Black Moon'. This is almost an extended reprise of the opening song, that laid back, half smiling atmosphere that once more wafts a little of that Alice In Chains Jar Of Flies interlude into delicate smoke. There is a tinge of the wistful to it, a vein of melancholy that is like the closing of a door on a small sadness but still stepping into a sharp winter morning of sunlight and hope.
Unassuming and understated and with a completely different take on the forest influence of many other Scandinavians there is lots to like about this little EP. Put aside genre prejudices, find that half hour on a Sunday afternoon after a lunch and let it take you on a gentle stroll. You'll return with a warm glow and a half smile.
Sweet, pretty and relaxing.
Http://www.myspace.com/svartiloghin
Gizmo
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