Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

When the news filtered through the North West press and bars that hosted music evenings in which Ragnhild Nordset frequented that the Norwegian musician was going to be leaving Liverpool, a place where she had become a firm favourite of the acoustic folk scene because of her tantilising voice, absolute sincere personality and incredible musicianship, there would have been no surprise that there would have been petitions made to keep this talented woman in the city and keep performing for the fans. Some people are meant to fly free though and if by returning to Nordic shores the creativity that was always there, flourishes even more then woe betides anyone who stands in her way.

All is not lost for her fans though as she has left behind a present, four songs of incredible quality and lyrically superb in her E.P. Sleepdancing. Working alongside producer Mario Leal has bought out even more of the dramatic intensity and unfailing splendor that has adorned her music. The musical landscape in which she drapes herself completely around is subtle, theatrical and utterly breathtaking.

The four songs, You Started It All, the compelling More, which strikes a chord so deep that it can reduce you to tears, the sublime New August and the title track of the E.P. Sleepdancing add a colour and flavour that others strive long and hard for but can’t quite match for its love and passion. It is a passion that Ragnhild shares with her fellow country women such as Grethe Borsum and Kaya Herstad Carney, the mix of the Nordic dreamscapes and storytelling fused with musical knowledge and temperament of the city they have come to love.   

Sleepdancing is as an enjoyable an E.P. that you are likely to find and one that will open the eyes and ears to the music of far-off lands. As serene and as beautiful as the Nordic coastline that has filled many a poet and writers thoughts.

Ian D. Hall