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Saint Thomas | Mysterious Walks

CD, Racing Junior

Tekst: Norbert Pek

Publicatiedatum: 09 april 2001

It's not wrong to be too slow. Two bands on the Racing Junior label go on with what you could hear on Yo La Tengo's 'And Then Everything Turned Itself Inside Out' and on the Low albums: tranquil slow guitar play, soft voices, and everything that will maintain the mystical atmosphere. Ai Phoenix from Bergen, Norway, already released 'The Driver Is Dead' in their own country in the summer of 2000, but the success and the positive responses (including nominations for Album of the Year at the Norwegian Mercury Prize-like awards) set them to release the album in other countries as well. Thanks for that, because although the Low similarity is very high through the combination of male and female singer and the tempo of the songs, the album is still an adjustment to the genre. Everything on 'The Driver Is Dead' is very strong and constant. The only more up-tempo song is 'This Is Close', but who needs the faster things when you enjoy a curious keyboard tune, a pick of a string, a touch of the drums. Dreamy candlelight music for those who are not in a hurry all of the time. It is not hard to understand that Ai Phoenix just released a split 7" with their labelmates St. Thomas. The debut album of the only 21-year-old singer/songwriter Thomas Hansen also received very positive critics in Norway and had also received a nomination for the Norwegian Mercury Prize-like awards. The music is related to Will Oldham and Neil Young. And just like these singer/songwriters, St. Thomas gives the sign on 'Mysterious Walks' that music doesn't have to be complex to strike you immediately. Simple songs on acoustic guitar, organ, and acid-banjo. St. Thomas already supported Will Oldham and Ryan Adams, which might be a good influence for the band in the future. 'Mysterious Walks' is a really good start, a promise. And although it sometimes seems like the concentration is a little fading, the melodies on the lo-fi, country-like songs still stand straight. The instrumental 'My Early Funeral' is the emotional finishing touch. Now Kings Of Convenience are crossing many borders it is also time for Ai Phoenix and St. Thomas to follow them as well.

http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/saint-thomas/mysterious-walks/271/
Meer Saint Thomas op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/saint-thomas