Search - Karin Ström :: Karin Strom

Borrow it from a friend, don't waste your money on it

Jason Wong | 08/05/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The CD sounds like it was recorded in a karaoke bar. This artist has a unique voice but her lyrics get overshadowed by the other instruments. Once in a while she manages to hit the right notes but I find her CD rather annoying and insulting. Out of all the songs on her CD I'd have to say Iceberg was the best, at the risk of sounding frugal I'd have to say buying a CD for one song would be a waste of money. Best stay away from this CD, buying it would be like throwing your money out the window."

Worthy contribution to the singer/songwriter genre

Darryl Natale | US | 10/05/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As if completing a degree in neuroscience, as well as writing two novels and an anthology of poetry wasn't enough, Ström once again proves herself as a multifaceted artist. In her self-titled debut EP, the Swedish renaissance woman delivers a strikingly honest 17-minute look into the depths of her mind.



There's something innocent about Ström. It is slight, but it draws the listener in. While Ström's voice is by no means phenomenal, the deceptively simple lyrics and captivating beats more than make up for any vocal barriers she may have. If at times the lyrics seem trite and contrived, it is because Ström realizes that true musical artistry can only be shown truthfully, no matter how overwrought.



In "Reproduction," she professes "what if something really grew in me some hours that night? How ironically beautiful," evidencing the duality of her mind she speaks of on the disc's insert. It is this insecurity and timidity that provides the poignancy of the album.



Ström is most genuine in her performance of "Darling," the album's opening song. In it, she shows her pure bliss and raw happiness without hesitation, providing one of the most heartfelt moments I've experienced musically.



Although Ström's work is nothing groundbreaking, it is indeed a solid piece that is a worthy contribution to the singer-songwriter genre. Simply put, Karin Ström's debut is an all-around pleasurable experience that is worth a listen."

Believable and sincere

Malin Jordan | Canada | 09/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Karin Ström's debut album, Karin Ström, is an enjoyable, five-song disc. Her compelling singing is believable and sincere. She talks about pills and pain and does it respectfully and knowingly, which works well since the neuroscience graduate wrote all of her own lyrics.



Originally from Sweden, Ström uses a variety of instruments on the album, and brings the tempo in and out in an interesting fashion. In "Hips," the instrumentation is balanced and forthright, supporting the vocals and pushing the character of the song up in a positive way.



Although the album is a short 17 minutes, the truthfulness of the lyrics and singing make this one well worth the effort.

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