CERULEAN SAPPHIRE‘s debut album soft attention enamors in its blend of synth-pop, dream-pop, shoegaze, and ambient. Rooted in the project’s concept of “Mediterranean melancholy,” their sound drifts between fleeting moments and introspective shadows, capturing the delicate spaces between experience and reflection. “Having grown up in south Spain as a Finn, surrounded by a suite of cultures, often makes me search for what the spaces in between hold – the spaces between holidays and realities,” the project explains, noting that many melodies on this release are “rooted in those moments, in the space inbetween.”
Album opener “el cielo era rojo” quickly showcases the project’s ability to craft hypnotic, dreamy atmospheric delights. Prancing, illuminated synths and steady, slight percussion adorn a spoken-word suaveness. That understated introduction flows seamlessly into ensuing track “orientate in paris,” weaving nocturnal synth pads and a smitten vocal sense. The sporadic “if I could” ruminations — day-dreaming on various accounts, from being a millionaire to winning one’s heart — build gorgeously into bouncy bass and a chilling “share it all with me” sating vocal allure. Sounding like a cross of Beach House’s dream-pop sophistication with touches of Italo-disco, “orientate in paris” is a thorough success.
Another standout arrives via “june, dream” — melding lyrical depictions of beautiful sunshine and balmy breezes with a peacefully inviting soundscape. Nighttime ambience and lulling synth pads complement a marveling vocal sensation, which couldn’t help “but feel the breeze” in the presence of someone they adore. “I’m lost in this moment,” they further admit, capturing the state of intoxication both via the vivid lyricism and blissful synth builds. A vibrant synth line addition at mid-point is especially dazzling, as is the guitar-touched gentleness as the “summer sun” reprise emerges. “june, dream” is an enthralling output, conveying ecstasy in its warming electronic pop aesthetic and compelling vocal admissions.
While a track like “dried roses (remaster)” achieves more radiant qualities in its jangling guitars and flourishing synths, “nok min skyld” embraces the nocturnal realm with tactful precision. The rain-set assortment of bleak synths and haunting guitar solemnity combines with a spine-tingling vocal push, reminding fondly of Chromatics in its dimly-lit stylishness. Album finale “ocean blue letter” also shines in its caressing atmospherics, exuding a wistful, ghostly entrancement in its trickling guitars and soothing synth tones. The project consistently consumes with a savvy for both lushly absorbing atmospherics and painstakingly heartfelt songwriting, with every track on soft attention excelling in both.
