Colours - Ashley Eriksson

Colours
Ashley Eriksson
K Records KLP 245
2013 

I bought this from K Records' mail order service after I caught Eriksson opening for Mount Eerie at an art space in downtown L. A. in 2013.  She delivered a mesmerizing set that even kept the hipsters quiet.  I probably would have bought this album eventually anyway because I'm a fan of her band Lake and have several of their albums.  This does not sound much like Lake even though two of Eriksson's bandmates play on the record.  The record begins with "March of the Conch" which is a slow keyboard driven instrumental that has a light, airy feel reminiscent of New Age type music.  "Why Are You So Helpless?" continues the gentle pace as Eriksson croons about unhappiness and repression using images from nature.  I like the way the song gradually builds in strength leading to a majestic finish.  "West of the Mountain" is a dreamy ballad that celebrates nature.  It is driven by a big bass line with chamber pop keyboard flourishes.  The record perks up with "Arguably" which is a bouncy tune that approaches sunshine pop.  The horns by Bill Kautz give the song an even brighter sound.  The lyrics praise love and friendship.  The record slows down again for "Ett Stilla Regn" which is a cover of a 1972 song by Swedish pop singer Ted Gärdestad.  Eriksson sings it in Swedish.  It is a song that uses a lyrical description of rain to describe the singer's feelings.  The weather imagery continues with "Good Storm" which equates storms with emotions.  The song is glacially slow with an ethereal feel to it.  "Colours" is another quiet song that has a cozy domestic feeling as she describes waking up in the morning.  It is rather twee, but I dig the lovely vocal.  Side two opens with "Bury the House" which has more energy than most of the tracks.  It has a repetitious structure that I find hypnotic.  "Mother Nature's Promise" is similarly simple and repetitive, like lethargic synth-pop.  "Sunset" returns to the serene dreamy sound of the songs on side one.  "Humming in the Dark" is propelled by an insistent piano riff that is suggestive of locomotion which is appropriate for a song about humming while walking in the woods.  "Organ Magic" is a relaxed instrumental with a slight exotica feel to it.  "In the Stubborn Eyes of a Demon" looks for hope and optimism in the face of evil.  The music is delicate and sensitive and gives the album a sweet finish.  If you are looking to rock out, this is definitely not your record.  It is introspective and subtle and requires patience to fully appreciate its charms.  I like to play it late at night or on rainy days when the abundance of nature imagery has extra resonance.  I find Eriksson's gentle voice to be very soothing and entrancing and she has created alluring soundscapes that enhance her voice's impact.  This is a beautiful album that provides a sublime and tranquil listening experience.  Recommended to fans of Lavender Diamond.