Marie Dahlstrom – Like Sand

The ambiguous title, Like Sand, conjures two images.
The first the feeling of soft, and smooth sand beneath bare feet.

And second, the irritating gritty, granules that linger in the underpants for days.

There is also a third image.

The image of golden Sand, gently filtering down between open fingers. Glistening and transfixing, it is here where Marie Dahlstroms‘ album resides.

The first album from this established soul figure affirms her skills at arrangements which perfectly compliment her mellow vocal style. Every instrument unites in saying ‘I do’ to this marriage.

A prolific songstress, solo or in a collective, the album sees Marie explore new soulful and jazzy sides with more refined songwriting. However, the album doesn’t stray far from her previous paths. A listen through of the complete 14 songs can feel a little ‘long’, but why should she throw in a blazing electric guitar or drum & bass beat to disturb the flow?

Here is the unique sound of Marie Dahlstrom, finally captured and lovingly gift wrapped.

Like Sand sits squarely in the mellow soul lounge-esque, ‘chill the hell out’ zone.

The UK’s soulful scene infiltrates her production. It’s no surprise this album is steady climbing the UK soul charts. It also a sign where lovers have soul music have found her.

Marie consistently crafts inventive, introspective soulful gems with faultless production, and this is no exception. And I mean faultless!

Drop the needle on any track – Time, Home Without You (Marie uses the vocal with superb effect) or the bouncy You, Marie always comes across as a calming soul whose heart tales are never judgmental. Rather an artist who seeks answers and understanding in her relationship inflexions.

The albums duets with male vocalist such as Beau Diako, Jeremy Passion and James Vickery (Unmissable – I Don’t Wanna Wake Up) are without dramatic contrasts – balancing like a finely tuned choir. Everything on the album is ‘soul’ well balanced it almost blends into one complete mix.

Like Sand doesn’t shout. It whispers and lovingly caresses the soul.

Don’t let this one slip through your fingers.