Sara Forslund
Album: Water Became Wild
Label: Volkoren
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.saraforslund.com/

The quote from producer John Wood describes Water Became Wild as "a first album of deceptive simplicity, the minimal addition of instrumental colours and vocal backing drawing the listener into the intimacy of Sara's vocals and lyrics." This is a pretty perfect description of Swedish singer Sara Forslund's debut album. The stripped back accompaniments really let Sara's atmospheric voice shine through, murmuring in the background then swelling to emphasise the emotion in the lyrics. The opening track Stay Love has a slightly bluesy quality and starts with unaccompanied voice, a brave choice that really sets the tone for the mystical quality of the track.

The vocal harmonies and ethereal accompaniment only enhance this, finishing with a beautiful piano solo. The rainstorm that begins the title track, Water Became Wild, is also a nice touch, giving way to a mesmeric guitar accompaniment, punctuated by some sonorous bass playing and gongs. This is the longest track on the album but at no point feels too long, the subtle changes in accompaniment and melody really engage the listener from beginning to end. The trumpet on both Did You Ever and Singing Me Through provides another variation in sound to hold the listener's attention, often growing from nothing to wash over you like a wave on the shore.

While all the tracks share the same thoughtful and contemplative quality, the variety of accompaniment makes each track unique. This is the perfect album to unwind after a hard day with a glass of wine, it certainly worked for me!

Nicky Grant