I'm Kingfisher - Arctic
Posted by Guest Writer on Thu, 17 Nov 2011.
Thomas Jonsson has been well known in Sweden over the last decade. This is the fourth solo album released by I'm Kingfisher and what an album it is! The first time I listened to it I loved it straight away. 'Arctic' is a very folksy pop album so if you like bands like Dry the River, Mumford and sons, Johnny Flynn and Noah and the Whale I guarantee you will love this.
The first track on the album 'Willing Night Plants' begins with a gentle guitar being strummed. As lead singer Jonsson's haunting voice draws you into the song it's hard to stop listening. From this you assume the whole album will sound similar, however each song has its own individuality but remains in keeping with the tone of the album. The second song 'Svalbard' has a more upbeat tempo to it and automatically puts you in a good mood.
As you progress through the album and hear such songs as 'Feline Funeral', 'Nansen' and 'Deer Theatre' you start to get a feel for the album more and start to understand what Thomas Jonsson is all about. You see that he has a variety of different sounds in each song and you feel that each song actually has meaning to it which is quite unique for an artist to be able to put across in their music.
'Peacock color song' is the sixth song on the album, and just saying the name puts a smile on your face. And with a name like that you hope the song does too. And it doesn't disappoint. The fast paced guitar and short and sharp lyrics makes this an upbeat listen and makes you want to have a little dance along to it.
The next few songs are all of a slower pace and are songs you can just sit and listen to while you relax. The album finishes on 'The Whale Hunt'. This has to be the most haunting sounding song on the album. However this song gets stuck in your head and you will remember it just because it is so different to anything else on the album.
In conclusion the first time you listen to this album you either love it or you hate. Personally I loved it, hate it and I guarantee that if you listen to it again you will start to like it. Each song is nothing like the previous song and it's hard not to want to keep listening to it. If you want something relaxing and a bit different to listen to this is defiantly the album for you.
- Review by Grace