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THE REVIEW
I struggled considerably to find an album that hasn't yet been discussed for my second review. My choice finally fell on the debut album by the talented Californian singer and violinist.
We are in 2003, and before her personal struggles were reflected in her works (she was committed to a mental institution due to her bipolar personality and after various suicide attempts), Emilie released this curious work. Far from the hallucinatory sounds of "Opheliac," this work is characterized by its magical and ethereal sound, highlighted by her very fairy-tale-like voice, occasionally enriched by her faithful violin. It's difficult to find a genre that can classify her music: classical music, influenced by Celtic music, mixes into a unique pop.
Love is the dominant theme of the album, but not the predictable love from a lover to his lady: it's from the woman's perspective that Emilie operates, and she tells of unhappy and badly ended loves, or the subordinate relationship towards the man: "Ever" and "Chambermaid" are vivid examples. In harmony with the fairy-tale atmosphere of the album, fairy tales ("Rapunzel") and Shakespeare ("Juliet") are also mentioned; and songs where love is experienced with childlike happiness as an escape from everything and everyone, as evidenced by "Castle Down" and "How Strange."
Despite the album containing 14 tracks and lasting over an hour, it is rarely boring or difficult to listen to. Pieces like "Second Hand Faith," "If You Feel Better," and "Save You" glide smoothly like water and nothing.
The masterpiece of the album, however, is the opening track "(Prologue): Across The Sky," a piece that encapsulates the entire album within itself, where the magic of the atmosphere and her voice are at their greatest, with a truly beautiful lyric. I want to leave you with a quote from the aforementioned song. I hope I've written a better review than the previous one. Until next time!
See beyond the moment,/ think beyond the day./ Hear the word,/ my voice will not be cast away./ Fatalistic fortune,/ ever near the end,/ love goes on/ but time does not return again. [...] Fear no more the midnight,/ Fear no more the sea./ Close your eyes, regret nothing:/ you're safe with me./ Look into the shadows,/ step into the mist;/ search your land but doubt never/ I still exist.
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Summary by Bot
Emilie Autumn's debut album Enchant offers a magical and ethereal sound characterized by her fairy-tale-like voice and violin. It blends classical, Celtic, and pop influences with themes of love from a woman's perspective, fairy tales, and Shakespearean references. The album's opening track is highlighted as a masterpiece capturing the album's atmosphere. Despite its length, the album remains engaging and smooth throughout.Tracklist Lyrics
Emilie Autumn
Emilie Autumn is an American singer, songwriter, poet, and violinist known for blending classical violin with industrial and electronic elements, a style she has described as Victorianindustrial. Her key releases include Enchant (2003), Opheliac (2006), Laced / Unlaced (2007), and Fight Like a Girl (2012). She is also the author of The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls.06 Reviews
Other reviews
By federico"benny"
Enchant is an excellently crafted and interpreted record, representing a little gem to (re)discover for those seeking music that is not overly demanding, but well-made and pleasant and relaxing to the ears.
Her favorite instrument, the violin, intertwines with a sophisticated electronic touch and Enya-like choirs, creating an intriguing pop-rock with Celtic nuances.
