Swedish singer-songwriter, Richard Öhrn (also the guitarist for indie pop band In Deed), cuts loose and digs into his debut solo record, SOUNDS IN ENGLISH. Proceeded by the focus tracks, “Love and Friendship” and “Take This Bottle”, it’s a lovely romp that creates a warm, comfortable feeling with its pop rock sensibilities.
“Love and Friendship” takes more of an indie turn in its composition using sparse instrumentation that feels like a soft musical pillow. The vocals seem to float upon the surface rocking and resting in the gentle swing of a hammock. Hand percussion keeps things moving without being too assertive while gentle harmonies reflect on the treasures of friendship. “We don’t need words to say it” Öhrn sings towards the end, “I would if I would know what those would be”.
Meanwhile, “Take This Bottle” brings a livelier energy with the chorus filled energy of acoustic guitars and a full drum kit. It is pop rock at its most enjoyable as it channels a swirling energy that feels like David Bowie crooning over a tune by The Wallflowers. “Just take this bottle for a while / I need a little time” he sings through the chorus, “Why don’t we find ourselves something to do”. A lighthearted story of learning when enough is enough when it comes to drinking for fun. Öhrn seems ready to find new ways of living life beyond alcoholic nights with friends as he sings, “I’ve got things I’d rather do than be with you”.
Spanning an impressive array of feels and topics, Öhrn takes his time with each song to leave a maximum impact. SOUNDS IN ENGLISH is a smart arrangement of highs and lows that will have listeners engaged to the end.
SOUNDS IN ENGLISH is available now on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music and “Love and Friendship” can be found on the Alchemical Records Multigenre Mixture playlist.
Charlie Maybee is a dancer, musician, educator, and writer based in Charleston, South Carolina who currently teaches with the Dance Program at the College of Charleston. His primary work as an artist is with his performing collective, Polymath Performance Project, through which he makes interdisciplinary performance art that centers tap dance as the primary medium of expression and research. He also currently plays rhythm guitar for the Charleston-based punk band, Anergy, and releases music as a solo artist under the name Nox Eterna.
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After AFI DOCS’s departure, the capital city once again has a documentary festival.
Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
