When it comes to music genres, I am not overly picky, but I am selective about what I invest my time in listening to. Every second spent listening (and re-listening) to “A Symphony of Shadows” was more than well spent—it became an obsession.
This fascinating album is a testament to BlackieBlueBird‘s musical dedication and their ‘cold-street’, raw, sensitive approach to themes of love, forgiveness, longing, loss, and melancholy. This duo and their work should be protected at all costs. Their sincere and unspoiled collection of songs is something I would recommend to anyone who values their soul.
As the musicians mention, “A Symphony of Shadows” features guitars, harmonicas, mandolins, and a “choir of lonely mermaids,” blending these elements into a fresh sound that builds on their earlier melancholy style by adding drums to highlight tracks from their back catalog. This approach offers a chance for both old fans and newcomers to re-experience the duo’s enchanting music.
Led by Heidi Lindahl‘s delicate voice, the album comprises 10 songs penned by the experienced composer Nils Lassen. The renowned Danish drummer Tomas Ortved (Sort Sol) joins on the kit, while Japanese pianist Tashi Mutzaki and arranger Lazlo Singer add depth with piano and string arrangements.
Though the album’s title includes ‘symphony’, I would confidently add ‘poetry’ next to it, because this album is a collection of phonic poems, inviting listeners to step in and immerse themselves in its dense yet sublime weave of emotions. Fans of Sigur Rós, Nick Cave, Mazzy Star, early Lana Del Rey, and even Cigarettes After Sex will find much to love in BlackieBlueBird’s sound. While the duo label themselves as dream pop, there are evident hints of new wave and indie pop as well.
The album begins with Flying Too Close to the Ground, a heart-rending, innocent premonition of what’s to come. Delving into lyrics like “Should I laugh or should I cry? Like an angel from the sky, flying too close to the ground” becomes immersive, delivering nostalgia through Lindahl’s suave, alluring quality. Next, Please Don’t Go continues the theme of loss and perhaps regret, with an ethereal mermaid’s song that feels both threatening and tearful.
This album is, without exaggeration, a masterfully crafted piece of art. It hits the trifecta with its beautiful and technically rich sound, emotionally charged lyrics, and Lindahl’s hauntingly exhilarating voice. This work should absolutely be considered the standard for showcasing and delivering art to the world.
Each track carries a unique message, with words and sounds meticulously chosen. The beginning of the album captures your heart, and by mid-album, tracks like My Trembling Guitar and Sometime Soon lead the listener into a trance-like state characteristic of the genre. The latter, in particular, veers close to psychedelic rock, with inspired lyrics add-ons like “My haunted heart keeps dreaming about you.”
Listening to BlackieBlueBird has quite honestly opened a door for me, drawing me into this genre like no other album before. Goodbye in July is a beautiful standout, a goosebumps generator that satisfies summer wanderlust with its rhythmic, beautifully constructed sound.
After the stoic Battered Beaten but Not Broken, the album’s crown jewel, in my humble opinion, arrives: Life’s Been Raining All Day. This track is an ample, beautiful journey, inviting listeners to turn up the volume, close their eyes, and isolate the song from reality. Its echoes of early Lana Del Rey are unmistakable.
I firmly believe that “A Symphony of Shadows” by BlackieBlueBird is a brilliant album that offers an unforgettable journey through love, loss, and life, wrapped in a dreamy, melancholic soundscape. This work of art not only showcases the great talent and creativity of Heidi Lindahl and Nils Lassen but also highlights their ability to evoke deep emotions and create a cohesive, immersive listening experience.
It’s safe to say that whether you are a long-time fan or a new listener, “A Symphony of Shadows” promises a captivating and soul-stirring experience that lingers long after you press stop. It does linger with me now, as I write. If BlackieBlueBird did not yet have a solid seat in the dream pop genre, this album should certainly correct that, setting a high standard for future releases, and for themselves.
The album is a collaboration between T&E Records and Aenaos Records, with all songs written and produced by Nils Lassen.
Follow BlackieBlueBird on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Listen to “A Symphony of Shadows’ on Bandcamp