Search - Nicolai Dunger :: Tranquil Isolation

Junkmedia Review - Shhh! Don't disturb the dog

junkmedia | Los Angeles, CA | 02/19/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The photograph on the inside cover of this CD says it all. It's a shot of an almost comically overgrown greyhound, sprawled comfortably across a sofa. Its eyes look as though sleep is just seconds away, sunlight pours in a nearby window, and everything about the dog's posture demonstrates an almost blissful contentment. Similar circumstances no doubt played a big part in the making of Tranquil Isolation. The album sounds like the end result of a series of basement jams, played by an easygoing bunch with no particular place to go. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the ground rules laid down while recording was "Try not to disturb the dog." Tranquil Isolation is a collaboration between the Swedish-born singer songwriter Nicolai Dunger and Paul and Will Oldham, better known as the Palace Brothers. It was recorded at the brothers' cabin studio in Louisville, KY. The landscape of Heartland USA must have been inspiring to Dunger, because the songs here are imbued with a distinctively Americana feel. Acoustic guitar, Appalachian-style fiddle, and lazily brushed drums are the main sonic ingredients. Indeed, the backing tracks would be right at home on any one of Will Oldham's multiple releases. The opener, "Last Night I Dreamt of Mississippi", spins a subtle web around the listener with its darkly beautiful chord progression, mournful violin, and half-sung, half-moaned vocals. The sound is familiar and mysterious all at once. But Dunger's voice couldn't be further away from Oldham's. He comes across as a scrappier sibling of Jeff Buckley or Rufus Wainwright, his honeyed vocals sliding easily over the melodies. On the solo piano number, "A Tribute To Tim Hardin", Dunger puts his considerable pipes to use, crooning softly over simple Neil Young-esque chords. The lyrics he sings are often unintelligible, but the longing and the wonder he's expressing comes across loud and clear. Although Tranquil Isolation's rough edges add considerably to its charm, some of these songs are so loosely conceived that I'd hesitate even calling them "songs". With a little bit of focus, Dunger might have a truly great album somewhere in him. Tranquil Isolation is more of a slightly blurry snapshot than a truly definitive document. But it's worth a listen nonetheless. Tyler Wilcox
February 19, 2003
Junkmedia Review"