Swedish folk artist Sofie Livebrant had a spark of inspiration of how to harness her cultural energy as the world entered its enforced lockdown. As a fan of the poems of Emily Bronte, why not select eight and convert them into songs awash with her own invention and musicianship. The result is WEEP THE TIME AWAY: EMILY BRONTE, an album with a difference as you are never quite sure where Livebrant turns next with her acts of interpretation. She evokes the deep rooted spirit of folk-rock and names like Denny and Drake are likely to spring up when trying to place the lineage of where the record draws it sonic template from.
Sofie Livebrant is an established and experienced musician active both in her homeland and the wider continent. This brave excursion is her sixth album release and comes with the adage that you do not need to be acquainted with the poetic strand to the works of one of England's most celebrated authors. Indeed a quick search on her works suggest that the ones chosen for this album are not necessarily among the most well-known. Essentially, this does not matter as beauty and awe exists in the way the songs have been crafted. The words also stand on their own two feet as you would expect from their source.
WEEP THE TIME AWAY: EMILY BRONTE may be an act of indulgence, but it's an act done well and certainly enhanced the name of a Scandinavian folk artist likely not to be not so well known in all countries. Sofie Livebrant has likely followed a path into UK homes previously trod by fellow Swede Sofia Talvik. Although similarities and differences exist, the ultimate effect of landing a record engaging, interesting and curiously addictive has done no harm in forwarding the credentials of a fresh artist acute at framing a traditionally blended sound.
