If you shook me awake in the middle of the night and asked me who my favourite singer is I would, without hesitation, say Sumie. All music lovers have those artists that resonate with them on a cellular level; who can make them feel the world fall away and leave only the music and the moment. Sumie has that effect on me.
‘Dahlia’ is the first single from her forthcoming album Stardust In Valleys an album that has been hard won given that Sumie has been beset with life-threatening health problems in recent years. But with her health improving she spent a week in a cabin away from her hometown of Gothenburg recording the album with friends who are also talented musicians. This first release will be no surprise to people who know Sumie’s music; gently rotating guitar allowing a tune to float over the top, effortless and beautiful, and when the harmonies come in it’s like the sun breaking through the clouds. The delicate combination of electric and acoustic instruments that are drawn into the mix halfway through is a testament to producer Filip Leyman’s perfect understanding of Sumie’s music.
Beauty can sometimes come from pain, and adversity often makes the living of life all the sweeter. Though Sumie’s poetic lyrics rarely offer up clear meanings her voice conveys so much, and in this case provides a golden thread of hope woven into the song.
If you love ‘Dahlia’ then I would advise delving into Sumie’s back catalogue. From the purity of her singing on the self-titled debut, to the sound of life ‘adding character like craquelure’ to her voice on the haunting Mirou EP, I hope you too will find her music as compelling and moving as I do.
Sumie socials: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp
Stardust In Valleys is released June 12th on Anna Von Hausswolff’s label Pomperipossa Records
Review by Paul F Cook
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