Kristoffer Bolander - What Never Was Will Always Be

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 31 / 5 / 2018

Kristoffer Bolander - What Never Was Will Always Be

Label: Tapete Records
Format: CD

Subtle, confident and sparkling second pop album with a Nordic and warm touch from Swedish singer-songwriter Kristoffer Bolander

Review

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.