rickard javerling

Two Times Five Lullaby

The sound a late summer heat haze would make if it was prone to a bit of meandering folk, Rickard Javerling's debut album 'Two Times Five Lullaby' is a gorgeous smudge of soft centered song writing that will delight anyone who prefers the finer things in life... Originally from Stockholm but having spent time in Ireland and Glasgow, Javerling's sound is as rootless as his traveling would suggest - pulling in influences from American folk traditions, Chicago post-rock and Swedish prog, that are then given a golden glow through some atmospheric nods to the likes of Eno and Budd. A delicious compote of banjos, accordion, drums, harps and a wheezing Hammond, 'Two Times Five Lullaby' opens through the swelling composition of 'Ice Princess' - wherein an overt nod is given to Fleetwood Mac as a diffused palate of ingredients coax you towards the song's muted conclusion. From here Javerling delivers one of the albums clear highlights through the irresistible 'The Three Sisters', a song that manages to evoke images of a Wickerman hoe-down without resorting to the rinky-dink folk trappings that so often blight such comparisons. Threaded with a bold and addictive melody, 'The Three Sisters' is music which seems totally organic - despite the evident love and care that has gone into its genesis. From here, 'Two Times Five Lullaby' meanders along with utter focus - leading you through a forest of overhanging melodies and autumnal bliss that becomes more of a friend with each listen. Moving on from 'The Three Sisters', 'Martina's Waltz' is a slow-motion waltz that recalls Radiohead's 'Motion Picture Soundtrack', 'Palermo' defies the city of its title by conjuring up a magical atmosphere through little more than wheezing accordion and delicate guitar, whilst the album closes with the solipsistic strings of 'Heavenly Birds Pt. 2' - a piece which is widescreen without becoming overblown. A genuinely beautiful record.