ALBUM REVIEW: A Pillar Of Salt – Noah Gundersen

Seattle’s NOAH GUNDERSEN always seems to be in writing mode, very rarely staying quiet for too long. With a string of EPs and albums to his name he has built up quite the fanbase during his career, one that will be delighted to hear that his latest release A Pillar Of Salt is out now via Cooking Vinyl. Locking himself up in a cabin with minimal contact with the outside world whilst constructing this effort has certainly brought a lot of feelings and emotions to the forefront.

Laurel And Hardy eases you in with some gentle piano work and emotive vocal lines that tug on your heart strings with their graceful fragility. Body takes a more upbeat, vibrant approach as the pulsing beat sets the tempo. The arrangement is so calm and collected that you feel yourself floating away on the peaceful tones. The Coast is the ideal, radio friendly track that is destined to be the centrepiece of many a playlist. It hits you with just the right level of relatable anguish that really resonates with every day life.

Exit Signs follows with a similar level of catharsis and alluring mood. The layered vocal elements assist in elevating the melodies. As beautiful as Atlantis may seem it does harbour pretty dark sentiments. The back and forth rapport between Gundersen and guest Phoebe Bridgers brings an extra dynamic to proceedings. Magic Trick possesses a thought provoking narrative that offers the opportunity for some introspection, particularly considering the events which have unfolded worldwide over the last couple of years. The subtle instrumentation allows for the lyrical content to take the spotlight and is brilliantly executed.

Blankets dabbles in electronica to bring forth a diverse and captivating soundscape. The solemn and delicate vibe is like pure escapism. Bright Lost Things is minimalistic in structure but a perfect example of less is more. Gundersen requires very little accompaniment to evoke such beauty and that is a true talent in itself. Sleepless In Seattle displays crisp, clear acoustic tones that almost feel endearing, but as the track progresses you can feel your heart breaking with each character that is introduced. The demeanour of Back To Me is equally as bleak and full of inner torment – a stark reminder that black clouds do exist but it is how we endure and grow from those testing moments to be a better version of ourselves. Always There is packed with such elegance and charm that brings some semblance of warmth to your heart but also strikes you with lyrics such as “Love grows like a cancer”, leaving you in a puzzled emotional state.

A Pillar Of Salt is a shining example that you don’t require a 50-piece orchestra or a wealth of complexity to construct compelling, fascinating music. NOAH GUNDERSEN has bared his soul and all of his insecurities for the world to see on this release, allowing countless opportunities for the listener to acquire a certain level of solace in its chapters. It may build you up or break you down in equal measure, but such is the talent that is exhibited throughout this emotional journey.

Rating: 8/10

A Pillar Of Salt is out now via Cooking Vinyl.

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