A Warm And Lush New Album from bladverk
A new release from bladverk delivers an immensely lush, full-bodied soundscape that is laid out through gorgeous acoustic and electric guitar tones that just feel inviting, warm, but also provide this almost cinematic vastness in the record's undertone that just wraps itself around you and keeps you right where it wants to.
This album is based heavily around its guitar work and tone. The performances on the instrument throughout this entire record really creates such rich atmospheres.
It definitely feels like much of the record is acoustic on both 6 and 12-string guitars. This creates a very particular kind of Sonic layer to everything, and the record comes through blending a sort of fantastical element with classic folk songwriting.
The whole thing is quite engulfing, in the best ways possible.
The album is called Monumental Thrill, Monumental Chill, and the whole thing starts with the track called "Rapids", which definitely begins your musical Journey with the record.
Not only is this a gorgeous single, but it works amazingly to open the door for the rest of the record, as you are going to be hearing some of the staples the rest of the release boasts as well.
Having said that, this is not a record you skip around on. This is an album meant to be heard all in one shot.
It's a bit of an experience or even an escape. The record has a way of whisking you up and taking you to another place altogether. It pulls you away from wherever you are and whatever you're doing.
This first track is an excellent example of exactly that, as it has these rises and falls and intensity levels. It starts with a higher level, guitars are strummed harder, and then it sort of exhales back down and gets calmer.
Throughout the tracks unfolding, you hear other elements like synths and keys that serve as pads, creating a depth and again balancing out that cinematic backbone, along with these wonderfully performed vocals that are really put in a perfect spot in terms of the mix of everything.
Although there are lyrics, it almost feels like the vocals are used like instruments themselves. They're definitely effected with a bit of reverb and some other stuff, but I feel like that wetness is right on par with the rest of the record.
The guitars can be so crisp and sort of in your face, so the vocals serve more as a balancer for that.
This release had a lot of thought put into the dynamics of it all.
"The Ink" is one of my favorites, as you hear a little bit of Southern undertone at times during the guitar performances, and you definitely hear a lot of that folks and singer-songwriter influence shining through.
Some songs on the record have a more spacious feel, While others are a bit more up close and personal, but either way you're getting something special.
Tracks like "Lightpoles", performed on electric guitar, dripping with reverb, and giving you that ambient soundscape, plucking guitar work, and a melodically driven approach, serve almost like interludes. However, I love these little pieces because to me they're beautiful.
"Sunday Morning" is a near-perfect example of what I mean by blending different sounds and textures. This track feels like it blends acoustic guitar with electric guitar, keys to add a little something extra, but brings a different kind of liveliness to the song, and the way all of those tones come together is beautifully done.
This track is very inviting.
The whole record is really quite inviting. There's a spirited and bright underbelly to this record. Yes, there are darker moments and a lot of the songs do have a bit of emotionally bound moments, but all in all, the album feels sort of colorful.
There are a slew of other instruments that come into play, scattered about throughout the record. There is a saxophone, vibraphone, live percussion, and more.
I absolutely adore this blend of neo-folk, classic folk, and pop overtone that's used throughout the record because it's very easy to get caught up in all of it.
I would suggest not only listening to this entire record all the way through to get the full experience, but also listening to it with headphones on.
This makes it easier for you to take in all of those layers, textures, and tones that the record delivers.
I think this is a release that comes across differently to guitar players. I think for guitar players, they're going to get soaked up in the way it's put together and the performances on the instrument.
I think for non-musician listeners, they'll get caught up in the atmosphere.
Either way, dive into this one so you can hear exactly where I'm coming from.
