Sylvaine and Ave Noctum are already well acquainted, with several glowing reviews of Sylvaine’s studio work and live shows having appeared on our site over the past few years. Of course, those that are familiar with Sylvaine will be used to the combination of sublime melodies and clean vocals with harsh growls and much heavier passages which have been key to the previous four albums and split EP. Indeed, this juxtaposition of styles has become something of Sylvaine’s trademark sound and something that works particularly well for the band. I was therefore intrigued to listen to Sylvaine’s latest EP, ‘Eg Er Framand’, which is in effect a solo effort by Kathrine Shepard, Sylvaine’s driving force, as she single-handedly delivers vocals, church organ, guitars, synthesizers & percussion.
Let’s be clear from the outset, although this is undeniably Sylvaine, with the vocals being immediately recognisable, it focuses on the calmer end of the spectrum with no harsh vocals, distortion or heavier passages at all. Across six tracks, Sylvaine explores her rich Norwegian heritage and tradition, using song to bring folk tales and myths to life.
Opening track ‘Dagsens Auga Sloknar Ut’ sets the scene, with ethereal vocals floating delicately across subtle backing instrumentation and the result is exquisite. ‘Arvestykker’ and ‘Eg Veit I Himmelrik Ei Borg’ continues along the same line with serene vocals to the fore. The background music is subtle and understated but is important to the tracks as it provides a meaningful backdrop and beautifully frames Kathrine’s vocals.
‘Tussmørke’ has a hypnotic simple melody that draws you in before the delicate, almost vulnerable, vocals drift effortlessly along. The EP is brought to a close by the title track, ‘Eg Er Framand’ which perhaps sees the most powerful vocal performance of the whole EP and goes on to emphasise what a talented vocalist Kathrine is. It is all very minimalist, but also very powerful.
This EP is a significant step away from what we might expect from Sylvaine, but perhaps distils Sylvaine’s music down to its roots allowing us a privileged glimpse into Kathrine Shepard’s more introspective, pensive and intimate world.
This is not heavy or extreme by a long way, and without Sylvaine’s heritage, would probably not even be on Ave Noctum, but it is a sublime EP and if you are a fan of Sylvaine, Myrkur or Nordic folk, then I highly recommend this to you.
(8/10 Andy Pountney)
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