Kokoro is absolutely worth a listen, and El Perro Del Mar is absolutely one to watch. The female Swedish pop artist forays into world music, with Chinese zither, various Asian flutes, Arabic strings and dulcimer. (But of course she DOES sing in English; hey, that’s the international language of pop!)
The frequently introspective songs are not overly complex lyrically, but the appeal is the fascinating soundscapes generated in the keyboard and drum-heavy music. Many of these songs could be placed in the context of Peter Gabriel’s world music pastiches, although hers are much more lilting, with her playful attitude and little-girl-style voice.
Score: 8 out of 10
El Perro Del Mar
Kokoro
The Control Group
Producer: El Perro Del Mar & Jacob Haage
