CHRISTIAN KJELLVANDER & Band (SWE)

In the organizer's words:

Surrounded by a delicate veil of reverb, CHRISTIAN KJELLVANDER 's gentle voice opens the door to his latest work "Hold Your Love Still" (release 03.11.23, Tapete Records) - his first solo album since 2020's "About Love And Loving Again" - to existential and environmental tensions, but skillfully walks the line between stoicism and optimism. He enriches his signature melancholic mood with soaring compositions in major keys that make each song a profound experience. Each song is precise and well thought out - in contrast to the musical border crossings that characterized his last works, he now consciously turns to the song. The lyrics are full of natural imagery, subtle poetry and fascinating empathy. This is the work of an experienced songwriter on top form.

The love referred to in the album title is a state of energy or a concentration of feelings, a hard-to-describe quality in any case, which he occasionally finds lacking in our modern society. The refreshing opening track "Western Hemisphere" confirms that everything we need is already close at hand; we just have to hold still long enough to recognize it. The track celebrates the power of nature and reminds us that the tall grass has more beauty than the most carefully tended lawn. Notes From The Drive Between Simat and Alcoi" is also about the pursuit of perfection that is so prevalent in our society. It is a travelogue from south-eastern Spain, inspired by breathtaking valleys, a Cistercian monastery and the soothing distortion of a rather ramshackle sound system. In it, Kjellvander recalls a performance in Alcoi, a town that played a central role in the early days of the labor movement in the 19th century, even if picketers now only raise their voices in whispers. Kjellvander expresses his delight in rugged landscapes, weathered walls and humming loudspeakers, while at the same time voicing his protest against the dead straight lines and clean sound of our commercialized existence. Meanwhile, the piece evolves from ballad to anthem.

The song "Baleen Whale" is about the stress caused by the constant inundation of news or the lack of boundaries in the face of other people's problems. Christian therefore draws the comparison to a whale that constantly filters food through its baleen and eventually becomes stranded. A rumbling bass and drum brushes form the rhythmic framework, while the delicate piano and sombre strings create a melancholy backdrop for Kjellvander's story, until finally an unexpected surge of hopeful chords lifts the chorus to unexpected heights.

In the album's fourth song, the beautiful "Terns Took Turns", Christian weaves his own love into a love song in which he explores intimacy and vulnerability. In this piece, he captures not only the moment of surrender to the overwhelming feeling of affection, but also the closeness that makes communication without words possible in the first place.

The very vivid "Disgust For The Poor", accompanied by a pounding rhythm, provides a painfully precise analysis of capitalism, consumerism and continued colonialism. At the same time, it questions whether we can really change an unjust system while enjoying all the comforts it offers us. In the heady and imaginative "On Wine And Jesus Christ", Kjellvander then realizes a long-held ambition and explores his relationship with alcohol, remembering how he used alcohol and how it used him. Is it possible to enjoy alcohol without succumbing to its dangers?

The album reaches its climax in the epic and captivating track "We Are Gathered", which is a nine-minute journey that cleverly combines the album's theme with a sense of responsibility and optimism. The music transports the listener into a hypnotic state as the melodies and sounds build to an impressive crescendo.

With the closing song "Dream 2066", Christian Kjellvander presents us with a reassuring vision of a possible future free from climate catastrophe and the shackles of capitalism. His comforting voice leaves a lasting message about the power of community and cohesion.

www.christiankjellvander.com
www.facebook.com/ChristianKjellvanderOfficial