Loney, Dear

Lighten up, kids, grab a banana. Today, we're talking about DIY (that's Do it Yourself for all those abbreviation impaired) artist Emil Svanängen (I love the Swedes!) who goes by the name of Loney, Dear. Svanangen works out of a "very modest home studio setup, using a minidisc mic and a set of headphones to avoid disturbing his neighbors" (from his myspace). The result is a Postal Service-lite, featuring songs that range from achingly sweet to the folk-anthem-like arrangements. In his most recent release, Loney, Noir, Emil blends a delicate, fragile voice that manages to just float over the melodies. Upon multiple listens, I am struck by the lack of abrasiveness in the album--not to be mistaken for overproduction (it's certainly more on the lo-fi side). The songs have this easy-like-Sunday-morning feel to them, much like those of the Postal Service, but there's also a certain workmen's quality to them. This is what music would sound like if a coal miner and a corporate secretary got together and hatched an album.

If that doesn't do it for you, then maybe you just need to check out a few of the tracks. My personal favorite "I Am John" begins as a cute na-na-na lullaby that develops into a full-fledge electrofolk song that just seeps into the cavities of your body (maybe too much imagery there). And when the horns delicately come in, it's just magnificent. Have a listen to "And I Won't Cause Anything At All" and you'll understand why I'm comparing him to TPS. [side note: Speaking of which, aren't those two due out for a new album soon? (Foreshadowing: Dntel)]

As you know, I'm encouraging a purchase here: Loney, Noir
Listen to "I Am John" (4.8/5)
Listen to "And I Won't Cause Anything At All" (4.4/5)