For a magical sprinkling of lo-fi stardust look no further than the new album from Dutch artist Gitta de Ridder where the listener is serenaded into a state of restful bliss. N(i)e(u)w Land is the epitome of fragile beauty using a melange of folk and pop to spin thirty minutes of tranquil harmony. Themes range from loss to a journey from the Netherlands to a UK adopted home as de Ridder applies an Anglo European touch to proceedings. This fourth album possesses plenty of charm to accrue new admirers if its post-release life is carefully channelled. Multiple listening venues across the UK would provide an ideal sonic backdrop. Even the entirety of its thirty minute duration doubled up with chat and insight would enable a night of good music to align with respectful ears.
The album consists of ten tracks collaborating with Swedish producer Jonatan Bäckelie and glitters with a series of inspiring highs. The pick unequivocally is the adorable ‘Chasing Sleep’ with the definitive line ‘so that I can meet you in my dreams’. A spirited song pitching love from a different angle. A couple of tracks later in the running order ‘Shine Sun Shine’ is the song depiction of less is more as a truly sparse production sparkles. Closing on a minimalist note is an astute way to define a record oozing strength from small pieces.
You may need to get past opening track ‘High Hopes’ to ease into the album groove on first listen. Subsequent plays will present no such problem as the feel of the better tracks lifts its presence to join the fray of a seamless experience. One of the instantly enjoyable tracks is the delightful ‘Tiny’, an apt name for a song on a succinct record, yet its immense quality exponentially increases the impact. Releasing this as the first single was a wise move.
‘Dear Memories’ has been propelled forward as one of the leading numbers and acts as an inspiration of the album’s bi-lingual title. Its elegant demeanour befits the record that pans out. Maybe your personal memories will come to the fore from being in tune with the theme and vibes of the song. At the heart of the record sits the tempting chimes of ‘Heroes for a Day’ where a multiple input of sounds blend into a rewarding listen.
The album benefits from textured layers, some acoustic; some electronic; all coated with an affectionate vocal gloss. Traces of pop melodies ease the listening process, a move than can reap rewards especially if retaining a strong substantial content.
N(i)e(u)w Land is a soothing delicacy exploring an emotive template. A chain of beautiful compositions glide across frontiers extolling a tight brevity. Gitta de Ridder has pockets of affection across her adopted country and the web of styles and messages woven into this new record polishes a fresh gem to expand appreciation.
