05.29.07
It’s not for the cock, it’s for the woodland creatures.
Loney, Dear
Stunning is not an appropriate word to describe Emil Svanängen, aka Loney, Dear’s, voice tonight. While it is powerful and memorable it has a unique soft quality which allows him to subtly take over the room and slowly enchant the listeners.
Emil manages to keep his voice under perfect control throughout the generous set, even at his highest he never slips, staying perfectly pitched and in tune. During the set he often immaculately harmonizes with at least one of the four members of his band which provides a beautifully haunting atmosphere in the room. “I am John”, arguably the highlight of the show, is met not with immediate applause but with a few seconds of silence acknowledging a rare moment when music engulfs you so much that your spine tingles and a tear appears in the corner of your eye. When applause finally does erupt from the onlookers it is delivered with pure enthusiasm and the musicians on stage appear truly endeared. This intimate bond between artist and audience continues for the rest of the evening.
A nod must be given to Emil’s band, the sound they create is as flawless as this club venue allows. They also all work extremely well together, playing far more as a unit than individuals which creates a lavish and, at some points, energetic sound. The songs mainly come from this year’s enormously well received Loney, Noir which combines folk style guitar and drums with delicate electronic tones to create an individual and uplifting sound. What really makes the show tonight is its intimacy. Emil talks to his fans like dear friends and with such a small audience everyone has a perfect view of the stage, without the sweaty, chaotic crowds, making it a calm, relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable experience.