We are officially into Spring and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the equinox than with Sylvaine, a glass of mead, and surrounding myself in nature. Listening to the wind rustle through the trees and birds chirping as dusk falls is the right setting for this review, so let us drink from the cup of heresy. This week’s offerings: Sylvaine‘s Eg Er Framand and Second City Meadery’s Passionately Numb.
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The Tunes: Sylvaine — Eg Er Framand
This goosebump-inducing EP is absolutely magical and beautiful. There are no traces of metal or harsh vocals, but it absolutely does not need it. Nothing is missing. There is light instrumental accompaniment but these tracks are mostly created by vocal harmonies from Sylvaine (Kathrine Shepard) herself. Shepard also provides the instrumentation, including church organ, guitar, synthesizers, and percussion. Completely sung in her native language of Norwegian, this EP is drenched in Norwegian heritage and folk tales — offering a journey of cultural exploration that is ethereal and moving whether you know the language or not. The meaning behind Eg Er Framand (which translates to “I am a stranger”) transcends language.
Aiding in the majesty of the music are two music videos which center on nature. The video for the title track is a lyric video including the English translation, and features forestial images of moss-covered branches with shadows encroaching and receding. The video for “Dagsens Auga Sloknar Ut” features Shepard in a lush field, moving interpretively to the music as the wind softly blows and the sky changes around her. Reminiscent of Jonathan Hultén’s solo output but still uniquely hers, Shepard’s music is powerful and peaceful with a clear passion behind it and intention in every single note and sound. This EP is a perfect and fitting addition to Sylvaine’s already dynamic discography. I’m hoping for a full-length release of folk-exclusive tracks from her in the future, as each listen to Eg Er Framand leaves me craving more.
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The Booze: Second City Meadery — Passionately Numb
Beer did not feel quite right to pair with this EP, so I opted for a robust mead which delightfully compliments this listening experience. Passionately Numb, by Chicago-based Second City Meadery, is a black currant mead with passion fruit, vanilla, and Szechuan peppercorns. Each sip starts very rich and sweet with an emphasis on the honey, vanilla, and black currant before turning sour with the passion fruit and finishing with a slight burn and tingle from the peppercorns.
I enjoy mead, and this is the first one I’ve tried with so many flavors and such a vibrant combination. It’s a unique and decadent drink with a thick and smooth texture. Passionately Numb is nicely balanced between sweet, sour, and a hint of spice, with each note easily identifiable. (It’s also aptly-named, with the peppercorns leaving my mouth feeling a bit numb — maybe I just had a few too many sips? — and the passion fruit coming through in such a tasty way.) This is my first experience with Second City Meadery and now I’m eager to see what other creations they have.
Cheers and blessed be,
– Angela
Nine Circles 