By Carina Lawrence
Norwegian metal multi-instrumentalist Kathrine Shepard is the talented visionary behind the musical project Sylvaine. With four albums and one split EP released, Sylvaine’s sound takes you on ethereal soundscapes. With this new EP, ‘Eg Er Framand,’ she goes on her most introspective and delicate journey, exploring her rich Norwegian heritage and traditions.
The opening track, ‘Dagsens Auga Sloknar Ut,’ is haunting, gripping, and beautifully solemn. It sounds almost ritualistic, and given how stripped-back it is, it really touches your soul.
‘Arvestykker’ flows on effortlessly from the opener and is more ambient and displays a wonderful use of acapella, showing off Kathrine’s impressive vocal capabilities even further, while the third offering ‘Eg Veit I Himmelrik Ei Borg’ is the most ominous featured and ‘Livets Dans’ again embraces the ritualistic vibe and is very effective.
‘Tussmørke’ has a suspenseful atmosphere, leading us onto the final title track, which is completely stripped back. It is just Kathrine’s voice with no backing or instruments to accompany it. This is very impactful and bold, showing even more fragility and making for a very powerful way to end this personal release.
Kathrine’s radiant vocals are in the spotlight with nothing to hide behind, and she truly shows her talent. It is equally haunting and beautiful and is a perfect EP to immerse yourself in. This softer offering might only be for some as it is largely acapella sung in Norwegian. Still, it is undeniably graceful and very moving, and even though it is in her native tongue, you can feel the emotion and power of her voice and the atmosphere the music creates, as well as mystery, all of which Kathrine does impressively. Although it is not a heavy music experience, it is heavy on the feelings it evokes, atmosphere, and richness, showing the sublime softer side of Sylvaine, which is ethereal Norwegian Folk at its best.
SYLVAINE ‘Eg Er Framand’ EP is released on 22 March 2024 via Season Of Mist.
Official Website: https://www.sylvainemusic.com/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sylvaine/455094955
Bandcamp: https://sylvainemusic.bandcamp.com/music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sylvainemusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylvainemusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5C9ocrDvsfSz8qcxG70QEe
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/SylvaineMusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYoMxOgKpnqGrj-impj1wDQ
Last.FM: https://www.last.fm/music/Sylvaine
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