NAMUR CONQUER ME ALBUM CRYING BOB RELEASE: OCTOBER 15, 2003 REVIEW: DECEMBER 17, 2003

Namur, release an album here that provides an interesting mix of the old and the new, while managing to still sound quite fresh. Namur is David Åhlen, the singer-songwriter who also is a multi-talented musician in his own right, playing five different instruments on this album. Although receiving additional help on tracks, from another two Åhlens – Emily – who sings on two tracks, and Tobias again two tracks, but on piano, it is reasonable to say that this is a one-man effort, and a family affair. The set itself largely consists around a largely electronic backing, with additional "real" instrumentation layered over the top to possibly warm the songs, finally Åhlen’s distinctive voice balancing things out.
Particular tracks of note are "Rise", a very up-tempo number, which balances a very electronic acid style-riff alongside quite a mournful, breathy vocal (and some great vocal layering!), while twittering keyboard stabs (coming in both backwards and forwards) seem to duel for attention with the guitar chords. Also "Chaos", which starts off on a very industrial tip, before turning into a quite gorgeous semi-falsetto sung slow number, rich with feeling and well-placed screeches, the simple chaos refrain staying with you long after the track is over.
The rest of the album is largely variations around a theme, not earth-shattering, but definitely pleasant.
Possibly the most interesting track "Hymn" is used to close the album. Less than two minutes in length it manages to highlight both the quality of the leads’ voice, and his musical creativity, with backward samples turning into a very bare, vulnerable and intimate vocal performance only backed by the whirring of what seems to be one single solitary machine. An interesting end to a pleasing, if not awe-inspiring release.

MIKE WHYTE