Natural Sympathies/Begonia
Natural Sympathies
Porous // Grey Records
Straight out of a synth-pop dream comes Porous- a visionary and melodic introspection of frustration and yearning that effortlessly reaches the softest part of your core. Creating a fresh style of vulnerability and intimacy, signature to the Natural Sympathies style, Amber Goodwyn’s vocals exhibits the energy of rebirth through starlike resonance and whimsical harmonies. Fluttering and sultry echoes ring through every chorus while desperate lyrics about pressing feelings bring an air of renewal and revival.
The album explores themes of anger and love, discovering yourself through community, and the importance of finding them all through self expression. Alleviating and dancy instrumentals capture every vocally painted essence by establishing a serene space for the unusual. Calm and ready for whatever may follow, Goodwyn inspires the continuous discovery of self love.
Celestial synths blend with driving drone lines to capture, and fully immerse one into this interstellar soundtrack. Primitive drum machine beats are fleshed out by dreamy guitar and elemental organ to create a sweet and vivid album you can feel throughout your body. Beautiful, yet slightly haunting vocal melodies, unify the deep drones and synths through the odes of reflection; while fierce and forward verses capture the nature of change.
This Regina based, multidisciplinary, and multidimensional artist brings to life raw emotion through an intergalactic trip for your senses. Transparent and honest, the diverse nature of Natural Sympathies invites you to explore the artists life, yet inspires a positive self-reflection. Goodwyn, takes on some of life’s strongest emotions with grace and confidence to design the perfect atmosphere. Shaped by saintly synths and heavenly lyrics, Porous, is the cosmic electronic medley full of power and patience, with the gift to resonate.
- Jackie Klapak
Begonia
Fear // Rex Baby Records
If you are lucky enough to have a voice as big as Begonia, it’s easy to coast on comparisons to another big-voiced popstar...“You need to see her, she sounds like Adele”, “She will be the next Adele, “That one song sounds just like Adele”. And it can work because being compared to Adele is never a bad thing… but perhaps Begonia has heard enough of the Adele comparisons. Perhaps now it is time to stop the comparisons, and refer to her as the unique and exceptionally gifted artist that she is: Begonia. Especially considering that she is no longer just skipping curiously down the road.
Begonia is now in 6 inch white platform boots, stomping down a confetti-lined, makeup-speckled, wig-laden technicolor trail of her own, eating a hotdog and smiling at you while her neon yellow hair blows gracefully in the wind.
Begonia does not play it safe. She is an incredible singer and knows her voice so well that she can GO OFF with confidence. But a big voice can become boring if it’s the only trick in the toolkit. Fear opens with a song that demonstrates this self-awareness: “The Other Side” starts very small and then grows into one of the most intense vocal performances on the album. But before you even get to hear Begonia’s voice - the voice you may have heard so much about - you hear a meditative, low sound similar to a singing bowl, and then Begonia continues with a controlled vocal until she truly digs in beginning around the one minute mark. This slow burning opening track prepares the listener for an album full of sonic treats, as well as a reflective, honest and healing experience.
And what an experience it is. Catchy soulful synth-pop songs like “The Beats”, “The Light”, and “Living at the Ceiling” are perfect to keep a party going well into 2020, but do not mistake them for simple party songs. Sweet moments like the “Every Day” interlude remind you of Begonia’s gentle nature, which are important to offset the darker and more intense moments on the album. Upbeat closer “Put It Away” is a wonderful end to the album, with Begonia completing this reflective journey with a positive final insight: “I get so nervous, forget my purpose, I’m feeling worthless, but I gotta say, in our darkest hour, we still have some power...” before sliding away on a run of falsetto notes.
A full length album is the perfect vehicle for a talent like Begonia to bloom; there’s enough space for her big vocals to have maximum impact without competing with the climax of the song right before it, as well as enough room to explore the softer and more experimental side of her songwriting and personality. The choices in production match the fun choices Begonia is making with her career. You should tell your folks, your cousins, and those six or seven facebook friends who complain that music is not what it used to be. And even if you have to say she will be the next Adele, just so that they know they should not miss out on Begonia, do it!
- Greg Torwalt
