A second sophisticated, intimate and sincere album is what Karin Ann reveals with through the telescope. Review of a record amongst the stars.
THROUGH THE TELESCOPE – KARIN ANN
For her sophomore record, through the telescope, Slovak artist Karin Ann continues to write about themes close to her heart. The great delicacy which opens this album is a short introduction revealing the dreamlike aspects of her poetry and is called once a man. She carries on with a folk guitar, a couple of strings and subtle masculine backing vocals on the charming pile of bones. Between mental health and LGBTQIA+ rights, Karin Ann touches on gender equality, spirituality and religion. But it’s always supple enough so that music resonates with all of us, all the time. Dazzling on false gold, here, she summons the Sun more than the Moon, the latter on which she travels the sky on the cover. The deep guitars come perfectly in contrast with the peculiar textures of her vocals. Yet, the Moon is indeed the core of this opus.
The celestial body is showing itself a lot more on other tracks, like the band keeps playing, and later on neverland. Often, Karin Ann gets the refined orchestra and solid, dry, almost lo-fi instruments to join. A blend that highlights the young artist’s poetic lyrics. More folk at the start of last few minutes, she keeps that subtle association on. Nothing is invasive, everything is intoxicating. On for you, the artist continues to give more of herself. Intimate and tender in her lines, the song changes from a classic folk sound to an upbeat pop-rock. And then, how not to fall for a song for the moon and memories of you, full of charm and where the melancholic atmosphere grows chord after chord? We live her love stories with her, or rather we live ours like she does: fully, with soul and body.
With she, Karin Ann shifts the general vibe with some heavier riffs. ‘Dance with me’, she sings, and once again it’s impossible to resist her demands. The Sun shines bright again here, and it does again on olivia. Another gem is the memorable i don’t believe in God which raises many questions about religion and identity. It might be the strongest track on the album. Next to it is beautiful life, a lot darker. But finishing without a positive note is out of the question. That’s how we get my best work of art. And indeed, through the telescope is probably one of the most beautiful pieces by Karin Ann so far. It will be played everywhere and, hopefully, for a long time!
