Who? Loney, Dear is the pseudonym for Swedish songwriter Emil Svanangen, who layers washes of woodwinds, delicate percussion, and other instrumental whatsis until he becomes a one-man orchestra. Svanangen recently inked a deal with Sub Pop — who will issue his latest set, Loney, Noir — and the singer will embark on a series of U.S. tour dates with Of Montreal.
What’s the Deal? Highly recommended for fans of Jose Gonzalez and Sufjan Stevens, Loney, Noir is an album that glimmers with optimism, vulnerability, and finely-crafted folk. “I Am John” sounds like a Belle and Sebastian B-side, with a propulsive power pop melody and repeated declarations of “I’m never gonna let you down.” Elsewhere, the artist intoxicates listeners with accounts of his insecurities: “I get things wrong / I’m not accustomed to this,” he admits in “I Will Call You Lover Again.” Despite lyrics that describe moments of awkwardness and melancholic bouts of waiting, Svanangen makes his intentions clear later in the track, as he reveals he’s looking for “someone to make it alright.”
Fun Fact: Loney, Dear previously released four homemade albums, which were recorded in his studio apartment and his parents’ basement. The artist then scored a record deal after someone at Sub Pop stumbled across his tracks online. GINNY YANG
Now Hear This: Loney, Dear – “I Am John” DOWNLOAD MP3
Talk: Is Loney, Dear his country’s finest export since Swedish Fish? COMMENT
On the Web:
loneydear.com
