Emerging dance artist Richie Blacker samples Sheila Chandra in new single ‘Beautifully Weird’
The track premiered last week on The Danny Howard Show on BBC Radio 1.
Fri, 11 December 20
The new album by Swedish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emil Svanängen (a.k.a. Loney dear) is out today. Titled A Lantern and a Bell, it is his eighth album, and is a marked contrast from previous releases: a collection of stripped-back, piano-led songs where the voice and the lyrics come first.
“It has taken me a while to dare to surrender.” says Emil. “My previous albums have been ‘collage records’, made in the belief that perfectionism exists. Here I wanted to go in exactly the opposite direction and simplify.”
The nine compositions are seemingly simple and accessible with Svanängen’s unmistakable falsetto front and centre in the mix and his plaintive piano playing complimented by beautifully-subtle and imaginative electronic soundscapes. It’s an album layered in emotion and meaning.
“It’s not really about ships and water, of course,” says producer Emanuel Lundgren. “Emanuel always talks about this being a break-up album,” concurs Emil, “but it’s an album that got postponed so it’s no longer a break-up album, it’s a renewal album.”
“Trifles… the perfect song for newcomers to discover Loney Dear’s magic”
Sunday Times Culture
“The simple romanticism of A Lantern And A Bell’s minor-key piano chords showcase Svanangen’s enviable melodic gifts.”
UNCUT
“Simple arrangements – just his warm falsetto and piano, with water sounds and seabirds passing overhead – foster a reflective, bonfire-on-the-beach spirit.”
MOJO
“A Lantern And A Bell is a marvellous album. Nine songs, beautifully constructed, expertly performed and written from the heart, with the messages delivered by the voice of an angel.”
Louder Than War
“It develops and grows with each listen; [to] gradually seep through the skin and saturate the heart.”
Secret Meeting
Featured release
Released 26 March 2021
Embark on a voyage of musical discovery with us by signing up to the Real World newsletters
The track premiered last week on The Danny Howard Show on BBC Radio 1.
Fri, 11 December 20
'A Lantern and a Bell' is the follow-up to the Swedish singer-songwriter's 2017 self-titled album.
Thu, 28 January 21
The song is the first new music from Sweden's Loney dear since his 2017 self-titled album.
Fri, 11 December 20
Loney dear's latest single was inspired by the American theoretical physicist, J.R. Oppenheimer.
Fri, 05 March 21