ANNA TERNHEIM TURNS TO AMERICA

Anna Ternheim may have plenty of fame and acclaim in her native Sweden. Being the lucky recipient of a Swedish Grammy for “Best Newcomer” in ’04, as well as notching nominations for “Best Female Artist”, “Best Lyricist”, and “Best Songwriter” a year later will bestow that kind of thing on a fetching, young 28 year old. But other than the year spent abroad in Atlanta, America has never heard a peep from this talented musician. It’s a shame too. Ternheim has been playing guitar, writing songs, and performing rather elegantly since the age of ten...a fact that explains the achingly beautiful poetics and solid songwriting displayed on both her debut album Somebody Outside, as well as its’ follow-up, Separation Road.

Making up for lost time, Ternheim recently released a self-titled EP for Decca Records, marking the first time her songs have washed ashore here in the US. And if this five song collection has anything to say about it, this won’t be the only time such a thing occurs. Plucked from Separation Road, opener “Lover’s Dream” is an acoustic mystery of sorts, touched up with inquisitive, brow-raising bits of violin and Ternheim’s breathy, Suzanne Vega-esque vocals. “Bridges”, with transient piano and rickety guitar lines provides plenty of mood and atmosphere for the next time you need…well, plenty of mood and atmosphere. And then their Ternheim’s version of “China Girl”…an example of Bowie done right if ever there was one.

While currently on tour in the UK, expect plenty of US dates as she prepares to support a new full-length album this March. – David Pitz

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MP3: Anna Ternheim:: “I'll Follow You Tonight”– from s/t EP
MP3: Anna Ternheim:: “China Girl” – from s/t EP
Anna Ternheim on MySpace