Kristoffer Bolander - What Never Was Will Always Be
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 31 / 5 / 2018

Label:
Tapete Records
Format: CD
intro
Subtle, confident and sparkling second pop album with a Nordic and warm touch from Swedish singer-songwriter Kristoffer Bolander
Kristoffer Bolander's new album marks a change in sound. Fuller with only a few moments of fragility, his tender voice will soon lure you in and caress your ears. Despite the production somewhat sounding droopy and digital on CD, the album certainly has a punch to most of this set of a dozen songs. The twang from his debut has not gone astray. The production. not shy of dramatic effects, never gets the upper hand though. Elegant and thoughtful on many tracks, such as on 'Cities' and on 'Glow', Bolander cherishes the beauty in sadness. Soft tones dominate. With confidence and a great sense of purpose, like a good bottle of sparkling white wine, 'What Never Was Will Always Be' offers pop music of many faces. Tickling guitars, dreamy keyboards, sturdy beats that recalls 1970's dream pop, 1980's new wave and Americana. Indeed if the word didn't have quite have the sound, I'd coin the word Scandinaviana. Too many syllables though. His very competent band throws in rocking moments. Clocking in at three minutes on average, the twelve songs all have a head and tail and won't leave you indifferent. Graced with a voice like gold, Kristoffer Bolander now has two appealing albums under his belt. Orchestral manoeuvres in the dark north.
Track Listing:-
1 Untraceable2 Cities
3 Heat
4 To Come Back
5 The Liar
6 Animals
7 Unborn
8 Stråt
9 Glow
10 A Massive Opiate
11 True Romance
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/Kristoffer-Bolander-1540530626224359/https://kristofferbolander.bandcamp.com/
Label Links:-
http://www.tapeterecords.de/https://www.facebook.com/tapeterecords
https://twitter.com/tapete
https://www.youtube.com/user/tapeterecords/videos
bandcamp
soundcloud
reviews |
I Forgive Nothing (2016) |
![]() |
Melodic and sensitive Americana on new album from Scandinavian singer-songwriter, Kristoffer Bolander |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Garfunkel and Garfunkel Jr. - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart