Amandine
Solace in sore hands
Fat Cat

8

I'm not overly wild about Scandinavian groups doing Americana music, however, the Swedish group Amandine is easily one of the best in the field. On their new disc, "Solace in sore hands" the aesthetic is pure and the music so well-arranged and performed that I found myself surrendering to the charms of the album. Lead vocals by Olof Gidlöf are in a high register for the most part and they have an aching vulnerability that suits the music. Although this is primarily a slow, contemplative outing, the melodies are strong and you can't ignore the delicate beauty of songs like "Iron wings". "Shadow of grief" is a good example of Gidlöf's heartfelt vocals, and the way they stand out amidst sparkling piano and simple guitar parts is distinctly Scandinavian. "Silver bells" is the best of the uptempo songs, with a dash of horns providing nice flavor. Overall this is solid, melancholic, folksy pop that sounds great driving on the open road.
- Kevin Renick

Amandine
This is where our hearts collide
Fat Cat

Many of my closest friends are highly devoted, but I've never a massive fan of the somewhat "hip" English label Fat Cat. I can definitely see what the fuss is about though, since Fat Cat keeps on releasing stuff from some of the most interesting bands around (i.e. Animal Collective). My relationship with Fat Cat might change this autumn though, now when they're about to release two wonderful albums – one by Vashti Bunyan and another one by the Swedish band Amandine. Since this website is about Scandinavian music only, the following will be about the latter band. "This is where our hearts collide" is crammed with marvelous songs that have a hint of Will Oldham over them, but they're more indie than alt.country, and with my admiration for Will Oldham subduing a bit lately, Amandine give me those melancholy feelings that you so insanely cherish.
- Simon Tagestam