Songs For The Sleepwalkers- Our Rehearsed Spontaneous Reactions
Record Label: Paper Wings Records
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Debut albums can be a tricky thing.
With so much riding on first impressions, songwriters and artists often end up releasing material that will stand with them throughout the rest or their careers, or buckle under the pressure. With this is mind, Songs For The Sleepwalkers (solo vehicle for Swedish singer/songwriter Andrea Caccese) have succeeded in creating a memorable and very skilled record.
Most people will know whether or not they are going to enjoy the album by the time they've finished hearing the first track, "Icarus Falling". A great album opener, it begins with finger-picking and some excellent lyrical output. This is indie music; the album is consistent, staying close to the folk sound it's built around. The album doesn't stray too far from the formula, but it doesn't need to. It contains just enough variety to become a confident and comfortable entry in Caccese's career.
"We Are Still Here" does a great job of sticking with the listener, especially on a summer night much like when I first spun the record. In fact, it starts to become downright anthemic after a few listens, almost reminiscent of a Snow Patrol track ("And I am waiting for the stars to shine/I am looking for another start/But I am still here"). "Asleep" is an instrumental interlude, including the sounds of a shower running and some excellent acoustic guitar work. Single "Tell Me How" is the prime cut of the album, bringing the listener in musically with it's fine guitar riff and keeping them hooked both vocally and lyrically.
Caccese's vocal delivery is a bit different, but that's not a bad thing; "Down The Line" will please any Damien Rice fan, and it's definitely a standout track of the record. Lyrically, this album isn't too far ahead of the game, but Caccese's music is very clearly his strong point on the album. "Set The World On Fire" is absolutely beautiful with a string section backing him throughout. "What If I Do" closes out the album naturally and very nicely, sticking true to the album's overall influences.
Songs For The Sleepwalkers have created the perfect album to release first. While there is always room for improvement, this is hardly a downfall; the record is structured and strong. It is short, and to the point. In the end, it will give any listener the chance to discover and become a part of Caccese's future creative journey.
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