Artist: Little Dragon
Album: Little Dragon
The stirring depth that resounds from Little Dragon's self titled debut exhibits a musical intuition so often lacking from a bands first attempt. The voice of Little dragon belonging to the sweet Yukimi Nagano may ring some bells as the young singer songwriter was awarded her debut on the nu-jazz outfit Koop. Although the Koop releases featuring Yukimi were some of their strongest material, Little Dragon now asserts her as an artist in her own right.

Born and raised in Gothenburg to a Japanese father and American mother, Yukimi states, "I grew up listening to American folk because of my Mom, but I've always had an affinity for R'n'B." The African American influence is prevalent within her bitter-sweet wondering vocals that harmonize the often dark production from her band formed with close high school friends Erik Bodin (drums), Fredrick Källgren (bass) and Håkan Wirenstrand (keyboards).

Yukimi's lyrics expose genuine wanderings of a lonely star, searching for reason in her day to day apprehensions. The production is a sensuously ideal accompaniment to the overall meaning and mood to her lyrics. Each individual track encompasses the catchy pop sensibility we heard in Koop, but now has an almost morose yet calm overtone that hums intriguingly throughout the album.

A track such as After The Rain perfectly shows what this collective are able to achieve when the band leaves open space within their melodies for the beautiful vocals that lightly tumble within the arrangements. With Each track delightfully pulsing its warm euphony into the heart of the listener, this debut promises to be the start of a great talent.

Tracks

1) Twice

2) Turn left

3) No Love

4) Recommendation

5) Constant Surprises

6) Forever

7) After the Rain

8) Place to Belong

9) Stormy Weather

10) Test

11) Wink

12) Scribbled Paper

Review by Robin J.

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