Ane Brun: A Temporary Dive

Elly Roberts reviews

Ane Brun: A Temporary Dive
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  • Cat.no: VVR1037602
  • Released: May 2006
  • Rating: 10/10

Blonde Norwegian troubadour Ane Brun,now a resident in Sweden, released her second solo album on May 15.

Defining her own niche and style takes some doing these days. She’s pulledit off magnificently on Temporary Dive. Vocally reminiscent of a lilting Bjork(sometimes Roisin Murphy (Moloko) / Joni Mitchell), and a Nick Drake musicalstable mate, she stands alone in the ubiquitous world of female singer-songwriters.

What’s she’s created is an understated masterpiece that will probably neverreach the status it deserves in the UK. It’s already gone platinum in her homeland,where she’s a bit of a super-star. Sublime, sophisticated and serene, it’snot going to have instant appeal.


That said, it’s more than worth a listen, another listen, and another listen.Such is the magnetic and beguiling effect she has: when you’re hooked there’sno letting go. Admittedly, on first listen it doesn’t register. When it doesit’s quite mesmerising.

A combination of intimate acoustic musings by Brun and sweeping strings byvarious musicians, make potent musical statements in themselves. Otherinstruments at various stages include, lap steel, mandolin, horns, cello,glockenspiel, piano, dobro, tuba, down to the simple triangle.

Then there’s the achingly beautiful singing – delicate, articulate, profoundand deeply connecting with the listener, despite its melancholic leanings.The vulnerability is there for all to hear, almost at S.O.S. pitch –Temporary Dive best shows.


Occasionally sparse – Where Friend Rhymes With End and This Voice,it meanders into haunting expansive soundscapes found on Balloon Ranger,all kept at a sufficiently minimalist level to be effective, particularlyhighlighted on My Lover Will Go. Laid In Earth is a crack at adaptinga Purcell aria from Dido and Aeneas. An up-beat surprise is Song No.6where she’s accompanied by stellar singer Ron Sexsmith, which raises the moodtemporarily. Either way it all works with clinical precision.

By definition, it’s an album about lost love and the fallout.

Verdict: Not to be missed at any cost – a real gem!

Weblink:Ane Brun.com


The full list of tracks included are :

1. To Let Myself Go
2. Rubber & Soul
3. Balloon Ranger
4. My Love Will Go
5. Temporary Dive
6. Humming One Of Your Songs
7. Are They Saying Goodbye
8. On Off
9. Song No.6 (featuring Ron Sexsmith)
10. This Voice
11. Where Friend Rhymes With End
12. The Fight Song

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