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Anna Ternheim
Anna Ternheim (EP)
Decca Records
This six-song E.P. marks the first U.S. release for Anna Ternheim, a 29-year-old Swedish singer/songwriter. She won high praise in Sweden in 2004 and 2005 with Swedish Grammy Awards for Best Newcomer (Somebody Outside – Universal, 2004), Best Female Artist and Best Lyricist (Separation Road – Universal, 2005). Those of us who don't trawl the import bins now have a chance to get to know her.
Ternheim fits nicely into grooves carved by predecessors like Suzanne Vega and Linda Thompson, but there is a spooky, restless bite in her music and lyrics that sets her apart. Ternheim's quiet vocals and precise arrangements mask a churning emotional current that upends the unwary. She paces her shadowy mirror-world like a rusalka, ready to drag her victims underwater.
The E.P. culls material previously released in Sweden, including an admirable cover of David Bowie's "China Girl," which is made new in Ternheim's capable hands. The five original songs show off Ternheim's talents as a composer, musician, and lyricist. The E.P. also includes a video of Ternheim's cover of "Shoreline," originally by the Swedish band Broder Daniel.
Besides the charming Bowie cover, other stand-out tracks include "Lover's Dream," an intense ballad for stout-hearted codependents; "I'll Follow You Tonight," which is another pacing walk through the underbelly of love; and "My Secret," in which we finally emerge into the fragile light of a healthy life.
Ternheim commendably voices the vicious darkness found in turbulent relationships without apology or bitter regret. Stylistically, she fits well with her alt-folk/pop contemporaries, like Patti Griffin, Beth Orton, KT Tunstall, and Ani DiFranco. Just mind the undertow.
-- Lyn Dunagan
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