In Retrospect: CD Review: Melankton

Genre: Electronic

Released: 2006/2007

I have to give credit where it's due: Kate Havnevik expanded my music world. Believe it or not, I never really payed attention to music - it was just the radio in the car or the background in a movie. The first time I listened to Melankton, I thought it was the freakiest music I had ever heard; that it was slow moving and sung by another European artist that doesn't understand a word of what she's singing. 

Well, that may be true. However, there was something about the music that drew me in and made me listen to the album a second time. And a third. And a fourth... and I enjoyed it. That was when I realized that music is not as simple as I had thought. Without Kate, I'd be stuck listening to Lindsay Lohan, Simple Plan, and Ashlee Simpson (not that they don't have their own place in the music world). But what I mean is that she taught me to listen to Feist, and Kate Nash, and Tegan & Sara... which is why I recommend this album to anyone who wants to expand into alternative music...it's a perfect transition.

Now, for all of you who are already 'enlightened', a review of the album...

If you look for lyrics that are substantial or significant, leave right now. The lyrics aren't bad, but they aren't particularly deep or meaningful... Kate's lyrics are simple, but they do work for her; if anyone else sang these songs, they would come across as awkward or plain silly. Why does it work for Havnevik? Because unlike other artists, who separate songs into 1) instrumentals and 2) vocals, Kate completely integrates the vocals into each song, so that the two (vocals and instruments) are inseparable. This, of course, is easier to do with electronic beats and synthesizers, but she also manages to add string sections effectively. In fact, some of her songs are near masterpieces, building up the song to amazing climaxes and creating an incredible degree of depth to her music, such as "New Day" and "Unlike Me". At other times, her voice is highlighted, such as in the stunning "Kaleidoscope" and "So:Lo". What else can I say? Her voice is ethereal, but not too breathy, and she is easily distinguishable from any other current artist. Hopefully she will bring even more amazing sounds to her forthcoming album.

Recommended Tracks: "So:Lo", "New Day", "Unlike Me", "Sleepless"

RATING

Melody: 5/5 Lyrics: 3/5 "Catchiness" factor: 8/10

TOTAL: 8/10