Nine months is quite a long time for a record to have a life in 2013/14, the Internet seems to rush everything through quicker each year. I can remember five or six 'big' singles being released from records in the 90's but that doesn't seems to happen much anymore (unless you are One Direction). Blame Spotify or perhaps YouTube (who actually host the video I'm sharing, as they seem to host pretty much everything, although apparently not for much longer?)...
Yet one album that has achieved an extended life is Agnes Obel's Aventine, released in October 2013 and with its next single "Words Are Dead" released June 30th. It's possibly because it has been a slow-burn success for Agnes (I'm talking domestically here), little known before the release of her second record, her popularity here in the UK gradually increasing with performances on key barometer's for success Jools Holland and sold-out shows at Union Chapel and The Barbican amongst others. This latest track and the accompanying live video sums up exactly why that's the case.
An intoxicating blend of understated, beautiful piano led melody with haunting string arrangements combining with Agnes' softening vocals, the result is an impeccably constructed, mysterious journey through dark ethereal worlds that fire up your heart. Simply Majestic.
Aventine is available now. (Buy here).
LOVE the gutted piano in this video! What a captivating approach !!
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