Some people never change. Some do and it’s even more beautiful. PJ Harvey is back with I Inside The Old Year Dying, a superb folk rock album that will haunt us forever.
Right after the launching of her concept album The Hope Six Demolition Project, PJ was not sure she would be able to deliver new music. She decided to take inspiration from her latest book, Orlam, to create a beautiful new record, filled with introspective lyrics and daunting athmosphere. Here’s our 2 cents on this album.
A intimate album based on an exquisite collection of poems
A few days ago, PJ Harvey was wondering if she still got it in a moving interview from The Guardian. We, on our part, never doubted her immense talent. After a seven years hiatus, the wonder child from Dorset is finally back with I Inside The Old Year Dying, a beautiful album based on her latest book, Orlam.
Filled with biblical and Shakespearian references, this LP uses Dorset language and immerses the listener into a cryptic, almost ghostly atmosphere. I Inside The Old Year Dying discusses change, loss, and sorrow. Listening to this opus is almost like catching a witch whispering in the middle of a forest. It’s like hearing someone singing to the ocean at the edge of a cliff. It’s tender, it’s nostalgic… it’s haunting.
Why you should listen to PJ Harvey’s I Inside The Old Year Dying
From the first notes of Prayer at The Gate to the blazing riffs of A Noiseless Noise, not to forget the beautiful Lwonesome Tonight, The Nether-Edge, All Souls, I Inside the Old I Dying, and A Child’s Question July & August, this tenth studio album is bewitching.
Though there were some “mixed feelings” reviews out there, this opus managed to seduce a lot of critics :
- “This record transports listeners through an intensely vivid journey, presenting a different side to PJ Harvey’s creative genius, one that proves profound art cannot be forced.” (Consequence of Sound).
- “I suspect that those who’ve always found Harvey a chore will find much to mock. But her fans will be all in for this mucky pagan whirl.” (The Independent).
- “With melancholy music and Harvey’s own Dorset accent articulating the words, the poetry comes to life. That’s no easy task. Since the 12 songs on I Inside the Old Year Dying began as poems, they don’t translate to verse-chorus-verse pop songs at all. Instead, Harvey, who has been working on score music for plays and TV series in recent years, composed folky mood pieces that capture the essences of her words, which she sings in unusual and often beguiling ways.” (Rolling Stone).
Damn, PJ. Of course, you still got it. Are you a PJ Harvey fan too? Did you like I Inside The Old Year Dying too?
Psst! Want cake? Check out the awesome macarons we made for PJ Harvey!
