El Perro Del Mar - El Perro Del Mar (Album)
Sarah Assbring of Sweden under the pseudonym El Perro Del Mar has produced something that’s divergent and soothing, at least one removed from a lot of the crap that gets churned out in the unsubtle guise of pop music. Calling this album melodic pop is an obvious but somewhat inadequate description of the music. It sways deftly from quaint melancholic musings to ultra-happy seventies-esque sing-a-long. Strangely enough, it’s a small continuum along which the album slides, but it’s definitely a continuum. I’m not sure the album deserves the title pop and its implications of pointlessness and idiocy.
Lyrically, the simplicity is what generates the depth. It kind of rings with a child like innocence – asking little questions that need huge answers. Sarah’s voice fits exactly with the style of her poetry. El Perro Del Mar, the album, has been described as “uplifting.” I beg to differ, this, in my opinion, is fairly depressing. It’s moody and sulky, granted it’s genuine and substantial but not “uplifting.” Unless of course one’s including the incessant shooby-do type lyrics. Honestly, I’ve felt better after listening to a cd.
The instrumentation is restful and calm with a very folksy sounding acoustic guitar strumming its way through most of the songs. Also – kudos to the kid with the tympani. It’s pretty cool, especially on title track Candy.
In terms of comparison the album is reminiscent of quite an array of artists and recordings. To start with, it smacks of early Jewel moodiness. There’s also an element to the music that makes the album feel strikingly foreign. Before you cleverly respond ‘that’s because it is,’ I’ll suggest it sounds French, because it reminds of a bit of Camille and Fabienne Del Sol. So shush you! Keep in mind a lot of things are foreign but don’t have a distinct ‘this is from elsewhere’ sound!
I’ve mentioned the opening track, so in fairness closer Here Comes that Feeling also warrants a plug. It’s different; it feels like a theme from an old Elvis movie. Elvis would be on the beach, dancing with the Hula girls and one of them would sing this song. It’s odd, in a context (outside an Elvis movie) to listen to such an extremely feminine voice sing something Elvisy. I was fascinated.
On the whole, the major down point the album has is the fact that it lends itself to the background. I can imagine spinning it at a fancy cocktail party for two reasons. One: so I could play at being educated and cultured by playing something foreign and obscure. Two: so people could hear each other speaking, to have something act as white noise. Otherwise, it’s a cool album, mellow yet saddening and well constructed.
