Sofia Ekberg
Album: All The Small Details
Label: Trickleheart Music
Tracks: 6
Website: http://www.sofiaekberg.com

Depending on your interpretation, "All The Small Details" is either a large EP or a mini album, at six tracks long it falls tantalising in the range of both, ultimately it doesn't matter. What does matter more is that Sweden's Sofia Ekberg has decided to release this as a duel language release, with two of the songs being recorded in her native language.

Personally I find it a liberating choice and one that seems to draw strength from the more global nature of music and its accessibility. Historically albums from Scandinavia would be released in English, well internationally at least, if not as home, that even part of an album allows you to hear the songs as they were written is a great choice and one that shows confidence that a homegrown music scene can have international appeal even if the lyrics are understood.

The opening tracks on the album are all in English, which give you a chance to understand where the artist comes from, musically at least, not only getting a feel for the music, sort of Americana with a Scandinavian edge, seeing as you asked, but more importantly a feel for the songwriting, a perspective.

Tracks four and five are the ones recorded in Swedish and it actually takes most of the first verse before you really notice, such is the enchanting nature of Sofia's voice and its ability to hold emotion and feeling, something that really strikes home when you're not being distracted by the words, in fact it happens to the point where you are almost disappointed when she returns to English for the last number.

"All The Small Details" could be viewed as an EP with a Swedish single sandwiched in the middle. It's probably the description I feel happiest with, at least as far as the format is concerned. The description I feel happiest using for the music of Sofia Ekberg is simply delightful and well worth checking into.

Neil King