Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  A Glimpse of Happiness by Peace In Our Time


A Glimpse of Happiness cover art

Artist: Peace In Our Time
Title: A Glimpse of Happiness
Catalogue Number: Series Two Records
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2008



Bluesbunny and twee pop are far from strangers. Lo-fi minimalistic sounds often echo through the hallowed halls at Bluesbunny Towers. Given that Peace in Our Time is the work of one man from Sweden called Johan Regner, we naturally rushed to the conclusion that this was another example from that genre. However, it turned out to be a bit special

Listening to the drifting vocals, it does initially seem that this album is but a collection of simple love songs. Songs that go well with dodgy sweaters perhaps. What makes these songs a cut above the average is the sheer neatness of the lyrics. They show an ease with language that makes them seem conversational rather than forced. In other words they sound real. The subtle pleasures of songs like "Paradnumret" and "Some Decent but Nice Thoughts" transcend genre limitations. Johan Regner's laconic delivery sits perfectly above the synthetic drums and simple chord structure and his words show a fine, if sentimental, understanding of the human condition.

Quite touching in its own way, this album will be essential listening in bedsit land but is also well worth your time in the real world. It should certainly have wider appeal as good songs are good songs are good songs. It's as simple as that.

 


www.peaceinourtime.tk
Reviewer:
Review Date: December 23 2008