The topics covered in Full Mountain Almanac, the first album by the duo of the same name, are deep and austere, as far as the lyrics are concerned. Twelve songs corresponding to the months of the year, such as a reflection on climatic upheavals sung in the fine and clear voice of Swedish composer Rebekka Karijord; in February, the lyricist Jessica Dessner received a diagnosis of breast cancer, mentioned in watermark. The album was recorded in Paris with the help of Jessica’s younger brothers, Aaron and Bryce Dessner, recognized for their solo work and with The National. The subject is deep, the song is brought with a precious lightness, the acoustic guitars (and the occasional piano, on the languorous June) accompanied by string orchestrations which sometimes enhance the rhythm, sometimes illuminate the melodic details; on aprilchilly electronic percussions appear, while voice and organ arrangements enliven the meditative september. A touching discovery, one foot in tradition, another in modernity.
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