I only recently discovered Agnes Obel whilst trawling myspace. She has been described as a cross between Ane Brun and Joanna Newsom. I can understand why the comparison has been made but try and put that out of your mind when you listen, not that my mention of it helps…bit like saying don’t think of pink elephants, alas… her EP, Riverside, features two songs written and performed by herself and an excellent cover version of John Cale’s “Close Watch”. Riverside is Agnes’ first international release and precedes the release of her debut album “Philharmonics”.
Her own songs on Riverside are musically sparse with minimalist piano which works perfectly and only serves to push her voice to the fore which is both light and breathy as well as possessing great emotional dreamy depths. The cover of John Cale’s “Close Watch” has a stronger up-tempo feel. I’m looking forward to the release of her album next month on the basis of this EP.
Close Watch:
[audio:http://www.box.net/shared/static/oyrtfslauf.mp3|titles=Close Watch|artists=Agnes Obel]
Receive your free download of Agnes Obel’s version of John Cale’s Close Watch here.
Video: Riverside
Agnes Obel has tour dates sewn up as well as supporting I Am Kloot in the UK later this month and into October.
Check Myspace for full details.