Second full-length album from Lebanese indie folk outfit is brimming with substance, style and confidence.
Singer/songwriter Sandra Arslanian is one of those rare artists who worships her craft. This is evident in every aspect of her creations to date. The latest album of Sandmoon, ‘Put a Gun/Commotion’, is no different.
The album - the follow up to debut ‘Home’ which dropped almost seven years ago reflects the introspective growth of an artist seeking to make sense of the world around her. Sandra sings of loss, romance, confusion, and even anger.
Second track, ‘Empty’, sounds as if PJ Harvey and Cat Power were hanging out one day and blasted this song together. ‘Ode to a Sparrow’ is a sprawling epic that has a sense of urgency, elevated more with the angelic yet haunting vocals. There’s a beauty to the entire record that is both balletic and empowering.
It’s like having a friend pushing you through your lowest moments of your life, or the beautiful memory of a lost lover that you recall when you need the most.
Sandra – who founded Sandmoon - was born in Lebanon, raised in Belgium and has Armenian roots. This comes together through the music, a blend of melancholy, timelessness and indie-folk pop.
As someone who has seen their fair share of turbulence, when Sandra sings “Who am I? Where do I go? Crossing the border on my own” she is not holding back and baring all her fears, and uncertainties, for us to witness. Sandmoon’s new album is engaging and commanding, packed with melody and punch, and sprinkled with the odd surprise here and there.
Rating: 3.5/5
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