The album that I will review this time, The Water In You, made by Isgaard, is the scoop on Background Magazines for Isgaard. This album is not her first one she made, if you take a look at her website, you can see she made a lot of albums in the past. If we look further on the website, you can notice that Isgaard is a busy person. Her partner in life, Jens Lueck has his own project under the name Single Celled Organism. Earlier I had the opportunity to review his third album Event Horizon (2023, see review). Isgaard took a lot of the vocals on that. And besides this, there is another project where she does vocals, Syrinx Call. And if that is not enough, she also sings on a project called Island 63° 66° N, it is a film with live singing by Isgaard. To give some insights about the music in advance, all the music is played by Jens, and some similarities with his project Single Celled Organism can not be missed, but in my opinion a good thing because of his blueprint. For me the music is on another level than Single Celled Organism, Jens played what Isgaard wanted . It is not progressive rock, over all it is more pop oriented, but that is totally okay and there is still a lot to discover. So let's have a look at the album. See Red Light starts with a soft piano, after which the song explodes and we have a rock song, although, within the first minute it is a bit ominous with Isgaard singing and Jens gives some answers on Isgaard, or is it a discussion? Lyrically it deals with a person who wants to know another person, but that person will not show what he feels so please 'See Red Lights' and do not connect with that person to protect yourself. Musically the lyrics are followed, you understand why there are changes in the music, with beautiful singing from Isgaard and as icing on the cake a splendid guitar solo caresses your ears, played by Johny Beck, who also plays in the band Sylvan. Well, that was the first one. Then we have Cocoon. It starts with guitar sounds and an emotional Isgaard is singing about a world that is going too fast so she draws herself into a cocoon to protect herself. And exactly that is coming back into the music, a cry for help supported by music that is giving the same message. In my opinion a good song with a lot of ominous moments, just as in the previous song. Now I'm The Water In You is the next one. If the next lyrics come to you, what do you think about them? Put fire in my wounds, and burn the pain inside, shoot arrows in my heart, to kill what's still not died'. I become a bit sad if I hear or read this lyrics, 'connected to each other without having the option to dissolve', and all that because we did not say to each other what was going on in our minds. And the music? Again very dark moments are coming your way, and what a voice Isgaard has again, just wow for how all this comes together. A beautiful addition is the cello, however I cannot see in the delivered information who is playing the instrument, so it is also possible that is comes from the keyboard. Another beautiful guitar solo comes to you to the end of the song, this time played by Kay Soehl, who also played in the band Sylvan. All in all this is a bit sad song, but perfectly played. It is the turn for Let's Use It For A Swing-by. And this time the lyrics consist of not trusting what you see, just rely on your intuition. Musical wise it is a bit mystique. The way Isgaard sings is coherent on that. As if we are misled, so is the sound. But for me it feels harmonious. This is more a pop song but I like to listen to it, and Johny Beck is in for another guitar solo, a good one. From One To A Million is the next one on the album. This time Isgaard wants you to say what you are thinking because that can change the whole world. If you are not talking, nobody knows and maybe that will be missed. A song about having confidence in yourself. The song opens slowly, quiet and space for the instruments. In this song you hear Isgaard her velvet voice, so beautiful. As mentioned before I wrote in an earlier review from Single Celled Organism, and her voice is still so magnificent. After this boost it is time for Thieves, the longest track of the album. It starts with spoken words from a radio, but hey, Isgaard takes over with her fantastic voice, supported by only some piano sounds. After a while the song becomes a bit more bombastic with more heavy singing, louder and deeper.'Thieves came to steal my home I leave I am on my own I flee but nowhere I can feel safe and sound' These lyrics mean to me that this person feels a bit lost, but try to think positive, stay yourself, that's all you have. We cannot change the other or the world, stay yourself. Good lyrics to think back to now and then. All this is supported by slow music that touches you. This is also not a rock song, but it tastes oh so good. And why is that, for me all the emotions are so palpable, fragile and true. Also in this song now and then the guitars are on the foreground, this time played by Jens Lueck in his subtle style, lovely. All Along The Wall is the seventh song, and for me the lyrics are a bit multi-interpretable, so listen to it yourself and give it your own meaning. Also this song starts slowly, but Isgaard pushes you off the road with her voice, a bit raw this time, and exactly that is so good, she can sing in so many ways, chapeau. While the guitars are screaming, Isgaard does the same, alternated with quieter moments. For me this is one of the better songs because of the more rock oriented character. Than the penultimate song, You Can Dance, the title predicts that the feet may leave the floor for some moments. This time the lyrics deal about two persons who meet each other. The one is okay, the other has experienced a lot of difficult and gloomy things in life. The connection these people have, results in the title. No matter what you have been through, you still can learn to dance. What a great message! The song starts a bit ominous again, with guitars that are so sublime, supported by bass playing that is going through the marrow and bone. The song radiates positivity, before you can blink your eyes the song comes to an end and is another highlight for me. Sigh, it is time for the last one already, We Should Have Known. Fortunately it is a longer track, so we can enjoy another seven minutes of music. And another important topic is addressed in the text. Isgaard has a meaning and I love she has that. Do not believe everything you see, you will be misled and if we are too late, we will regret. That is a statement! For the last time Isgaard is singing directly from her soul, what do I love her voice and way she sings, I feel my tears burn in my eyes, wow, what a voice. The music matches the lyrics so well, my compliments. Another time Johny Beck shows you how to play a guitar solo, man what a great guitar player he is. And after all this, the album has ended. A great album played by great artists I can say. I especially love all the lyrics this time. Isgaard wants you to think about life and all the choices you can make. She made a beautiful album, no weak songs, although it is not progressive rock, you can buy this music blindly. I think I will dive into her discography to learn more from this artist. Highly recommended. **** Michel Stolk (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
