OTHER PEOPLE'S STORIES

Kari Rueslåtten (b. 1973) was formerly, from 1992 to 1994, the vocalist and songwriter of the Norwegian doom metal/experimental band The 3rd and the Mortal, which was one of the earliest metal bands that used a lead female singer, thus inspiring better known bands such as The Gathering and Nightwish. I'm reviewing her fourth solo album upon my very first acquaintance. This is something I do here from time to time, but only for [nearly] unreviewed PA artists.

Even if the artist had been familiar to me in advance, I wouldn't have dared to suggest her into the ProgArchives database myself, and, at least on the light of this particular album, definitely wouldn't have expected her to land on Prog Folk subgenre. Of course her other albums may contain more distinctive folk flavour, but I don't hear much of folk -- or prog, although as pop/rock this is admittedly quite eclectic and sonically experimental at times. Labels aside, I'm evaluating this music for what it is and how I personally like it.

Kari's high, clear voice reminds me a bit of TORI AMOS or LOREENA McKENNITT. There's a slightly similar emotional depth in her expression, but without similar manners, and overall in a bit higher (soprano) range. The title track starts the album in a serene, accessible way. Pretty nice, harmonic song actually. 'Sorrow to My Door' reminds me, for the singing and the melodies, of Loreena McKennitt but without any ethnic/ World Music elements. The arrangement is modern, half organic and half programmed. 'Cry' and 'Dogstar' are fairly good art-pop/rock songs with inspired soundscapes that make me think of DAVID SYLVIAN or NO-MAN.

'When Lilies Bloom on Winter Days' is among the finest songs on the album. I could imagine it as a Tori Amos song. 'Push' and 'Ride' are a bit too restless and industrial-sounding for my taste, but perhaps many prog-minded listeners would thank them for bringing some harder edges to the whole. 'Fishing' starts in an a cappella approach, and the arriving synths remain suitably gloomy in the background. A fine, moody track showcasing Kari's vocal skills. The two final songs are OK without bringing anything new to the table.

3½ stars actually. Fairly enjoyable if you like arty female singer-songwriters such as Tori Amos.