For Northern read Nordic since this impressive debut album is by a 21-year-old Swede.
It was recorded by Piers Faccini in his rural studio in the Cevennes region of Southern France. This woodland location seems the perfect setting for the twelve poetic songs which are firmly rooted in the natural world.
An ode to a Blackbird is the first single while Lavender Philosophy and Under The Willow Tree seem to draw inspiration from solitary country walks.
"Yoga for the mind" is how Lysander describes her writing and her songs tap into a state of calm far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In one sense she is escapist, even a little twee, but there is a sensual fragility which makes the tunes very effective.
The arrangements are kept very simple. Faccini adds some backing vocals to a couple of tracks but mostly it just her voice and acoustic guitar.
Jag Målade Fån Pa Väggen is the only song sung in Swedish. According to Google translate, this means 'I painted a fan on the wall' and makes it companion piece to the visual imagery of A Painter's Brush
"I have no complaints" Lysander sings on Giving Thanks and this is a record that encourages listeners to set aside their burdens and adopt a similarly tranquil view of the world.
