Alice Boman
Dream On
[PIAS] Recordings
βSad songs say so muchβ, or so weβve heard. Nowhere is that sentiment more present than with Dream On, the latest offering from the Swedish artist Alice Boman. After a steady stream of EPs and singles over the past seven years or so, Dream On is Bomanβs first full-length album release.
With vocals that are at once fragile and assertive, evoking the deft lightness of Jane Siberry, Boman delivers her songs with beauty and directness. The production is relatively sparse, mostly using piano with synth embellishments, in addition to bass and percussion. The clean and uncomplicated production by Patrik Berger and Fabian Prynn occasionally brings to mind the pensive work of Angelo Baldamenti.
In the song βWho Knowsβ, Boman lays out some honest thoughts on existence:
βI live in a light, I live in a dream
Iβm scared of losing, Iβm scared of everything
I escape my mind, I choose to not see
I fear that all I want, Is right in front of me
Who knows where time goes, Who knows where it ends?”
These are heavy ideas, but when they are delivered with the music, the message comes across in a way that is plaintive and beautiful.
If there was an attempt on Bomanβs part to create a commercial album, it would seem to have been unintentional. The hooks are there, but they exist naturally and almost without effort. While the lyrical themes may centre around pain and sadness, the overall album actually serves to uplift. Listeners may not find the feel-good hit of the season here, but they will enjoy Bomanβs meditative, artful, and honest songs. This is an album that you can wrap yourself up in.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ALICE BOMAN – DREAM ON
Bryan Williston