Simon Lynge - Deep Snow

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 14 / 5 / 2019

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Review

Born in Denmark but having spent his childhood in Greenland (apparently working as a shepherd and hunter despite his young age) has definitely helped colour Simon Lynge’s music. That, and given the title of his latest album, might suggest that the listener is in for a cold, unsettling ride through Lynge’s musical mind. The end result is far from that; Lynge is blessed with a warm, comforting vocal tone and his melodies are immediately attractive. While lyrically Lynge can touch upon the darkness in our lives, he dresses these thoughtful words in such captivating melodies you can’t help but be drawn into his world instantly. The opening track, ‘Age of Distraction’, is catchy, complete with a sing-a-long chorus but at odds with the lyrics. “Cracks are getting deeper, storms are growing bigger/Feel like we’re living in the eye of a hurricane,” sings Lynge before the listener is met with the first of those ‘just have to join in’ sections of the song, like much of ‘Deep Snow’ Lynge’s uplifting melodies betray the seriousness of his lyrics. Imagine actually wanting to, because the music is making you feel so damn good, sing along to lines such as “Who do we think we are?/Closing our borders down/These people are not our enemy/Someday they could be you or me” or even “Something isn’t working/Kids are suicidal/Let’s fall in love with mother nature again”; so sharp lyrically and highlighting the failings of this modern world we all share yet filling the listener with hope at the same time. It’s not an easy task, but Lynge makes it sound so easy and natural. That song alone sets you thinking you should dump the mobile and go for a long walk in the woods. Given that few instruments are used on the song the sound is still very full; inviting and warm. The introduction of clarinet and saxophone are unexpected and do so much than just fleshing out the sound. They are used subtly yet a major part of the song even though they are used fleetingly. ‘Paper Thin’ follows and it’s another gorgeous melody coupled with Lynge’s inviting vocals; the sections where the music drops away and the only instrument to be heard is Lynge’s voice are spine-tingling moments. It appears that every voice on the album belongs to Lynge and it’s a sound that is impossible not to like. Again, on this track, there are few instruments; guitar, drums, bass, harmonica and Rhodes but still, maybe because of those vocals, the overall sound is really full. Some of the credit for this must surely be placed on producer Richard Lobb’s shoulders who also co-wrote a handful of the songs with Lynge. Given Lynge’s background, the fact that the album was partly recorded in the Welsh hills, and the astute, often sad and reflective lyrics, the resulting warm sound that pervades throughout the ten songs is even more surprising. ‘Twentynine Years’ is both chilling and beautiful. Painting the picture of a fleeing father in the first verse is disturbing but compelling listening, but the longing chorus, beautifully sung by Lynge of “Father, please come back to me/I’m grown but there’s a kid in me/For 29 years I’ve been trying to feel whole again/And I’m failing” is the most affecting. Adding, “for 29 years I’ve been trying to connect with you again” at the end of the song just adds to the sorrow. It’s a highlight of the album. ‘Deep Snow’ is not your average singer-songwriter album but then Simon Lynge is so obviously not your average singer-songwriter. There are many songwriters who have something to say, but few who can express their feelings as astutely as Lynge does on ‘Deep Snow’ There are so many times when listening to this album that the listener catches their breath at the beauty expressed in Lynge’s vocals and at his shrewd lyrics. Combined with the subtle use of wind instruments Lynge and producer Lobb have created an outstanding, special album, one that stands alone for creativeness right now. For an album from an artist who is obviously used to living in the chilly conditions many can’t relate to and even names his album ‘Deep Snow’ this is a heartwarming, light at the end of the tunnel, set of songs that are surely going to be as relevant in ten years time as they are today.

Track Listing:-

1 Age of Distraction
2 Paper Thin
3 Automatic Outcome
4 Twentynine Years
5 Born into a War
6 They
7 Tiny Ironing Board
8 Deep Snow
9 Maggie
10 Babylon Lies in Ruins