Review by Shannon Shumaker
Anna of the North perfectly depict the trials and tribulations of love on their dreamy new album, Lovers. Ups and downs, second-guessing, infatuation and heartbreak are all covered in these songs, which quickly immerses you in Anna of the North’s stunning world. Carried by hazy instrumentals, warm synth and sticky sweet vocals, it’s impossible not to fall in love with these songs.
Opening track, “Moving On” quickly introduces you to Anna of the North’s beautiful fantasy world, but with the warm, lush instrumentals comes a somber tale of getting over someone you love and trying to keep pushing forward. An interesting choice for an opener, this song doesn’t kick things off with butterflies in the stomach or love at first sight, but rather the hopeless feelings that follow a breakup as Anna Lotterud coos, “Darling I know/Sometimes it’s hard to take.”
Following “Moving On” is the bright and twinkly “Someone,” with a catchy as hell chorus that you’ll find yourself singing my the time it comes to an end. This song is driven by deep synth and stunning vocals, flowing from the opening track perfectly and ending with an unexpected key change that helps shake up what would otherwise feel like a somewhat repetitive song.
A few songs in, and the mood of Lovers is certainly set. These songs are mellow, dreamy and otherworldly, but unfortunately, that also makes them sound very similar to one another as well. You’re bound to find yourself searching for something a little more diverse as the album plays on, and although the sound stays on the same level, there are a few songs that manage to shake things up. “Money,” for instance, sticks out from the first few tracks, holding onto that smooth quality of sound but with a more upbeat, poppy vibe. Lyrically, this song is a callout to someone who is using a lover for their money. There are a few emotionally driven tracks that stand out as well, like “Always,” as Lotterud admits, “I’m tired of being in love/Always in the background.” “Feels” also follows with a similar theme of drifting apart from someone.
Giving the second half of Lovers a nice little explosion to mix things up is the high energy, “Fire.” Compared to those around it, “Fire” is definitely one of the brightest songs on the album, staying true to its name. On the other end of the spectrum is “Friends,” which is easily one of the most emotional songs on the album, chronicling the heartbreak that comes along with trying to make a failing relationship last. Some of the most personal yet relatable lyrics on the album can be found in this song when Lotterud begs, “Tell me where we went wrong/I don’t think I’m strong enough for us/Tell me where the love has gone/I don’t really wanna give it up.”
Although seemingly one dimensional at times when it comes to the vibe of the songs, Lovers is an incredibly personal, powerful and emotional release. These chilled-out songs provide the perfect soundtrack for falling in and out of love, dealing with heartbreak and trying to get better. From track to track, Anna Lotterud wears her heart on her sleeve, and the result is something that will certainly pull at your heartstrings by the end.
LISTEN TO: “Friends” “Someone” or “Money”
STAY CONNECTED WITH ANNA OF THE NORTH: https://www.facebook.com/annaofthenorth/