The Norwegian country-tinged band Sweetheart formed in 2003 but are just this year releasing their self-titled debut album. Sweetheart is primarily the work of frontman/guitarist John-Arne Gundersen and Frode Bjornstad, and rounding the band out is jazz bassist Anne Mette Hardnes and drummer Christer Engen (Turbonegro). The melancholy vibed Sweetheart release is filled with Gundersen’s and Mette’s vocals, acoustic guitar, lap steel, piano and percussion. The eight-track collection of songs focuses on the human condition and the different stages in a meaningful relationship, with mourning and rumination as the primary themes in Gundersen’s lyrics. Standout tracks include: the two songs about love and appreciation “Leaving For Stockholm” and “I Will Always Be Here For You”; the emotionally charged tracks “The Pines by The River” and “Can We Make It Out Of Here Alive?”; and the reflective past relationship song “Leave It All Behind.” Sweetheart broke up in 2005 but reunited to record this album and I hope it is the first of many more collaborations to come. – Written by JFelton
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