Carvings

Norwegian guitarist and singer Juni Habel caused a quiet stir with her debut, with some quarters likening her to Nick Drake. In terms of intimacy and beauty, Habel certainly lives up to that comparison, but to leave it there would be to do this beguiling artist an injustice. Habel resides in a rural hinterland, with close ties to both family and nature. Carvings is, in part, a tribute to Habel's sister, who tragically died in a car accident. “Grieving is hard work,” she says, “we leave carvings in each other, shaping each other through life.”

Opener ‘Rhythm of the Tides’ confirms Habel's considerable gifts. Her guitar picking is simple and yet deeply affecting. Drifting strings circle like clouds. Perhaps the most striking aspect of this music is Habel's hushed, alluring voice, which runs organically through wide, echoing, compositions. There's a beautiful patina to this album, which feels like a modern throwback to the spirit of the 60s and 70s. These are exceptionally well-crafted and produced songs, carved with loving care and no little imagination. A faultless album from an authentic talent.