21 July 2023
MUSIC
REVIEWS
Written by Don-Jitsu
sonder the africanime -The Swamp Forest Siren ALBUM REVIEW
sonder the africanime delivers to the universe their first full body of work titled The Swamp Forest Siren . The 10 track album can be experienced in just under 30 minutes but is fully capable of leaving a lasting impression. It features guests appearance by wolffisdead, 2Ka, mxmnt & witney.
" A spirit whose voice heals "
this description of sonder (by sonder) gives us an idea of what to expect when experiencing the Album.
The project has a blend of alternative/indie rock & dream pop.
THE SOUND
The album opens with a stripped down instrumental that features an acoustic guitar and soft delicate vocals that exposes sonder's vulnerability. sonder's tone encapsulates the feeling of emptiness. As the guitar continues to play, you get reeled into their void till all you hear is the guitar strings, as if you have zoned out but can subconsciously hear everything. On Empty, the siren is joined by wolffisdead , who mirrors sonder's hollow state excellently in a similar tone. The combination of guitar and voice sets the scene for what can be described as an entrancing, emotional experience.
THE INTRODUCTION
TRACK 1: Empty (feat. wolfisdead)
THE JOURNEY THROUGH THE SWAMP FOREST
Track 2. Midnight carries the hypnotic notions of Track 1 through its loop like song structure which is common through out the album. As you progress through the first half of the project, you fall deeper into a trance by their atmospheric whispers. It almost seems like they're singing out spell incantations that you can barely make out as you gradually get lost in the sound of their voice.
Hues of blu (Track 5) perfectly paints the world in which the siren of the swamp forest inhabits. At time stamp 01:05 of the song, sonder's magical layered harmonies sonically take on the physical properties of the forests evening mist, breeze, calm waters and the entire breath of nature that exist within the swamp. At this point in the project you experience the tranquility of their soundscape as it invokes a meditative mind, at this point you feel sonder's sense of peace.
THE IMAGERY & MOOD
The second half of the project further floats between sonder's emotions. From frustration on Can't take it, to love on the mxmnt assisted Mason's interlude. Death's poem introduces vocalist witney. who initiates the final call with spiritual cries that echoes out emotion.
"I can't please everybody " - witney.
" they'll say it's my fault cause I tried it all " - sonder the africanime
These lines from both singers indicate they've exhausted their efforts to make everyone around them happy without sacrificing who they truly are. "I don't want to grow " sings sonder sincerely, which could signify their disinterest in the pressures and expectations that come with adulthood that often trample upon the free spirited. Despite the siren's magical healing & hypnotic capabilities, in the end they simply shows us they're human too.
REACHING THE END
There are some instances where the narrative of the songs are carried by the mood of the instrumentation but the context isn't clear as sonder's lyrics aren't audible. However their approach & sound suits the vision of the album.
THE LEAKS
RATING
1.Empty (Feat. wolfisdead)
5.Hues of blu
9.Blind
10.Death's poem (Feat. witney.)
THE GEMS
Sound 4/5
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Narrative 4/5
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Features 5/5
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Replay value 4/5
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Recommendation value 4/5
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The Swamp Forest Siren is OUT NOW on DSP's. If you haven't heard it yet, I strongly suggest you do as it's worth it.
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Follow sonder the africanime on:
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Listen to:The Swamp Forest Siren.
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By sonder the africanime
4.2