There are few modern Pop artists that truly capture the imagination like Sweden’s Skott. Pauline Skött, known artistically as Skott, is a unique individual who grew up outside the mainstreams of the world in the village of Vikarbyn. Located in the middle of the forest, her early life was primarily exposure to Folk music, before she received further exposure to the outside world when attending school.
Obscure to think about for most of us, but rather compelling, perhaps this is why Skott’s music is so very different from what we are hearing put out nowadays. This was evident from her earlier release of “Porcelain” in 2016. However, it is also important to recognize that she is also no stranger to songwriting even before 2016; having written for many others prior.
Fast forward to present day, Skott has relatively rapidly blazed her own path with the release of her Stay Off My Mind EP in 2018, full-length debut Always Live for Always in 2020, and release of the A Letter from the Universe in 2022. Each offering something different, Skott returns for more in 2023 with the release of another full-length album entitled Roses N Guns.
Released back on March 3rd, the album emerged less than a year after the tracks that made up the aforementioned A Letter from the Universe. That in mind, you would logically think these new tracks would follow a similar trajectory, right? Not exactly… because Skott is ever-evolving.
These factors in mind, if you really enjoyed A Letter from the Universe, you may be slightly taken back when first listening to Roses N Guns. Not a negative thing, the ten songs that make up this new album are approached from a more acoustic frame of mind. Additionally, Skott expands upon her vocal range; showcasing styles most have never heard from her before.
Perhaps there were signs of this new direction with the release of “Hail Mary” back in January; which was more stripped down, but nothing could really prepare you for what else was in store. Honestly, the most exciting part of what Skott offers is that there are so many sides to her music. Proving this, she even put out an equally beautiful edition of “Hail Mary” months after the album’s release in June, and called it the Hailstorm Version.
And all these matters considered, Roses N Guns seems like a very natural next step for Skott. With so much packed into 40 minutes of music, some must listens include the title-track, “Glad It’s S.A.D.” “Hollywood Love,” as well as “Sunshine.”
In the end, this album is hands down one of the best in the Pop world of 2023. It is thoughtful, exceptionally well-produced, without sounding artificial, and emotionally striking. The best way to describe Skott is modern, yet respective of tradition, and with this she harnesses a sound that is engaging, distinctive, and clever. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Roses N Guns 5 out of 5 stars.
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