Emily Hall - Folie à Deux
- Written by Zoe Wallbank
This opera album by Emily Hall heavily features vocals from long time Björk collaborator Sjón. It appears his vocals are featured more than Hall’s, therefore it seems unfair he isn’t credited heavier.
The opening track is a little confusing, with male vocals layered with a chant of “3 X 5 X 3 + 3”. The peaceful introduction leading into these vocals is engaging, although the whole track seems too drawn out, it’s simply too long causing it to surpass haunting into slightly creepy. The most disappointing track and a confusing choice of track as opener.
That being said, the rest of the album is stunning. Hall is so talented and intelligent, that she has even created her own instrument, “the electro-magnetic harp”, a moving and stunning instrument that is beautifully showcased in instrumental.
Her passion for these instruments and the music they create is evident, however, the lyrics featured in some tracks are just as moving. She knows when to add lyrics and when to leave the track without. ‘Wonderful’ not only contains the romantic lyrics “The string of their hearts play in tune with the hum of the universe”, but has both male and female vocals working perfectly together, as does ‘Mantra’.
This is also shown in tracks ‘Scream’ and ‘Embrace’, both of which have very similar sounding melodies, however, ‘Scream’ is a spooky track that builds tension that lingers after the track has finished through techniques such as adding static to the song. Whereas, ‘Embrace’ is a very similar track but with vocals. Both are good songs alone but having them side by side really shows off Hall’s talent.
’Prelude’ is the closing track, but seems more fitting as an opener, it sums up the album and the talent far better. With this level of talent and creativity, the only downfall is ‘Ode To The Pylon’ of an otherwise incredible album.