Anna Of The North - Lovers
Three years after lighting up the internet and airwaves with Sway, Norwegian Anna Lotterud (she is the Anna of 'the North') and New Zealander Brady Daniell-Smith release their debut album Lovers.
With separate self-confessed experiences of broken relationships and heartbreak one might predict a collection of soul-baring electro-pop, over-heavy in the licking of wounds. But be pleasantly surprised. Clean springy beats and shimmering synths provide a foundation for honest and compassion-filled tales but with a propensity for looking forwards rather than back.
Opening track Moving On dispenses post break-up advice to a best friend – 'Darling I know, sometimes it's hard to take, believe me I know'. Someone is laced with vulnerability and despair – 'I'm only human baby, I need someone to come and save me'. Title track Lovers infuses pragmatism and hope. And by the time we are into Money we are back in business - bruised, wiser and prepared for history repeating. Fire becomes an anthem for recovery.
Lotterud's voice glides effortlessly through the entire journey. These are songs that will restore your faith in love and romance. This is an album that serves as your emotional first aid kit. Keep a copy close by.
8/10
