Anne Marie Almedal
Album: Memory Lane
Label: +47
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.annemariealmedal.com

Having been a member of a number of art rock groups Anne Marie Almedal found herself back in her native Norway with her British husband and producer Nicholas Sillitoe and an evolving sound that seemed to hark back to the likes of Annie Briggs, but also capturing the sparseness of her homeland to mix in with those acoustic pop/folk sensibilities.

It brings in those beautiful contrasts that have been so impressive on music coming out of Scandinavia in recent years, a warm, light touch to the music, up against the introspective and at times dark nature of the lyrics and to do so in a way where you can't be considered a diary singer, true reflection rather than an examination of events.

In some ways the contrasts and textures of the album also match up with two of the guests, Danny Thompson and Katharine Blake, both of whom bring personifications of the influences that Anne Marie Almedal displays so clearly in her music.

"Memory Lane" is, I'm sure, an album that will provoke memories for people that were in the clubs and cellars back in the day, but they will also know those memories are false, because this is a sound that whilst inspired by those 60s and 70s folk artists, also take into account the way hooks and language have changed in the intervening years.

This is a thoughtful and evocative album, one that has overtones of a less often quoted influence, Mary Hopkins. Whilst it is sparse and more gothic, that folk-pop undercurrent to "Memory Lane" is absolutely beautiful and gives a real context. Anne Maria Almedal has got that touch that really brings the music to you and which makes you stop and listen in gratitude.

Neil King