Sandra Borøy - Sus (2016) [Hi-Res]

This is the debut album by Norwegian vocalist / songwriter Sandra Borøy, recorded in a quartet setting with guitarist Jonas Dyrstad Valberg, bassist Guttorm Strande Syrrist and drummer Jonatan Schanke Eikum. The album presents six songs with lyrics in Norwegian and two wordless pieces, each repeated twice, altogether ten tracks, all composed and written by Borøy. The music fails an immediate attempt of classification; it is Jazzy, but not mainstream oriented, it displays the Scandinavian melancholy and lyrical approach, and yet differs from most other Scandinavian music, presenting a unique stylistic statement. Boroy's usage of vocalese, both on the wordless tracks and during her solos within the songs, is where she sounds most interesting and promising, but her vocal delivery is definitely overall excellent. One of the basic assets of this album is the close cooperation between the vocals and the guitar, which accompanies her very closely, sometimes even unisono, creating an unusual atmosphere and an outlandish sound effect. The rhythm section also does a splendid job, staying often in the background and stepping in elegantly exactly when appropriate. The bass supports the melody line admirably, which is especially important when the vocals and guitar are busy with stating the complex melody lines. The drums are elegantly supporting the music, being often subdued, but on the wonderful vocals / drums duet track the drummer shows not only his skills as a player but more importantly his ability to listen.

Tracklist:
01. Sandra Borøy - Sus (3:03)
02. Sandra Borøy - NY Tråd (5:22)
03. Sandra Borøy - Quelea (4:14)
04. Sandra Borøy - Jiffy (2:13)
05. Sandra Borøy - Tett Til Sitt Hjerte (6:23)
06. Sandra Borøy - Stille Vann (5:08)
07. Sandra Borøy - Virvelvind (3:37)
08. Sandra Borøy - Jiffy II (2:55)
09. Sandra Borøy - Udefinert (5:13)
10. Sandra Borøy - Sus II (3:08)