HinweiseYou might recognise Victoria Bergsman's distinctive voice from Peter
Bjorn And John's Young Folks. East Of Eden is her second solo album
under the guise of Taken By Trees. Apparently recorded in Pakistan with
local musicians contributing to the album, the whole record has a real,
well, eastern feel. With chanting, rhythmic drums and eerie flutes
cleverly weaved into it, Victoria Bergsman's other-worldly, breathy
vocals suit this sound perfectly.

The album kicks off with the haunting flute of To Lose Someone before
Bergsman's melancholy vocals start. The rhythmic percussion and flute
continue to dominate the song and the backing vocals are Pakistani; it
gives you a good idea as to how the album will continue. Greyest Love
Of All is a definite stand out track; a beautiful melancholy number
about thinking the grass is always greener, with a rhythmic melody that
is strangely catchy. There are a couple of songs on the album that are
a tad indulgent; Wapas Karna for example is purely sung by Pakistani
musicians and whilst it should fit the feel of the album, it might just
be a step too far for some listeners. But the interesting tempo and
melody of My Boys and the return of Bergsman's vocals bring it back on
track.

Although the unusual eastern sound of this album may not be to
everyone's taste, Bergsman's hypnotising vocals and the unique
instrumentation make East Of Eden is an enchanting album in every
sense.