Cake On Cake

I Guess I Was Daydreaming

Desolation

originally published February 14, 2007

Though I Guess I Was Daydreaming is primarily the work of one artist, Swedish multi-instrumentalist Helena Sundin, it sounds as if a rogue band of cherubs, unicorns, puppy dogs, nymphs, fairies and mermaids broke into a recording studio and made an album. Sundin has created a sweet and simple avant-garde pop fantasy.

Utilizing over 20 instruments, including Rhodes, clavinet, metallophone, xylophone, mandolin, tablas, hand-drum, and guest instrumentalists, Sundin has constructed an atmosphere of depth and fragility that could only be paralleled in a Tolkien-type novel. I Guess I Was Daydreaming is so ethereal and innocent, it's nearly impossible to have one negative thought whilst in its presence. "Come on Rainbow," the first track from the album, has no verses, no chorus, and just repeats the title for about two and half minutes; however, it'll stick in your head for hours. It's the perfect accompaniment to a cold winter's day spent inside with quite conversation, loved ones and plenty of hot chocolate.

I Guess I Was Daydreaming floats on with songs about smiling, laughing, animals and wonderment, which somehow manages not to seem silly and childish. Lyrically and musically, there's a quality that's reminiscent of early Belle & Sebastian and a bit of that ambient Sigur Rós vibe that maybe all Scandinavian bands seem to have. I guess it's just natural.

Charley Lee