Anar by Marketa Irglova (ANTI-, 2011. 49 minutes) Marketa Irglova is a Czech singer-songwriter, noted for her work with Glen Hansard, The Frames, as well as The Swell Season. She also co-starred with Hansard on the independent movie Once.
Pomegranates and Music
The penultimate track, “Dokhtar Goochani”, is a slowed-down Iranian song, undoubtedly influenced from Aida Shahghasemi, an Iranian drummer and vocalist who contributes on the album. The gentle piano and vocals intertwined against the Iranian drums make this song absolutely daunting. Irgolova manages to add amazing countermelodies on the piano against her beautiful singing.
We Are Good
My favorite track, however, is “We Are Good”. I heard her play it in concert with Shahghasemi, who is, to say the least, absolutely mesmerizing live. It’s an ethereal song with intricate textures that make one want to go curl up by a fireplace somewhere and just think about life.
Crossroads
Another track worthy of mention is Crossroads; it has a breathtaking piano intro and syncopated eight time signature, as well as some intricate piano themes. It’s darkly convicting and haunting.
“It remains to be seen to which side I’m going to lean / Which road will I choose? What will I gain? What will I lose?”With this song, Marketa emotionally dives inward. She asks introspective questions, and poses them in a striking way in which only the most sensitive of songwriters could find success.
For those that love honest songwriting, introspection, and probing lyrics, this album is undoubtedly something that is worth your while. Just like the morsel hidden deep underneath the surface of a pomegranate, Anar offers many a nutrient for a listener’s ear.
Verdict: 4 out of 5
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Posted by: Andrew Jacobson
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