Melody Mountain
This is the second release from the Norwegian duo consisting of Susanna Karolina Wallumrod (vocals) and Morten Qvenild (Jaga Jazzist, Shining, In the Country) (piano, cembalo, autoharp, vibraphone, church organ and keyboards). This time they have chosen to record ten interpretations of mostly well-known songs by artists such as Prince, AC/DC, Scott Walker, Leonard Cohen, Angus Young, Matt Burt, Peter Hook, Paul Stanley, Bob Dylan, Martin L. Gore and Sandy Denny. Susanna has a unique way of making a song her own, and to fill the lyrics and melodies with the emotional content it requires. This was made crystal clear with her stunning interpretation of Dolly Parton's classic "Jolene," recorded for the duo's debut album List Of Lights and Buoys. The same can be said of their version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," one of the first songs they demoed and have since presented in their live show, now finally recorded for inclusion on Melody Mountain. Known to turn venues so quiet you can hear grown people sob, it's only one of a string of moving performances that make up this album. In addition to Susanna's moving vocal deliveries, Morten Qvenild's naked-to- the-bone approach is essential to the way this duo come across, both on record and in a live situation. This album is produced by Deathprod.