Brighton-based alternative pop songwriter Linden first appeared on this blog in August last year thanks to her inventive, tarot-inspired track The Man in the Garden. It’s a song that appears on her upcoming album that explore the concept of the perfect world. It’s called Descent From Paradise.
By Graeme Smith
Inspired by depictions of paradise in art, literature, music, and folklore, Linden has taken the idea and asked: what if there is no one version of it, and it is indeed our flaws that make us beautiful? Her latest album picks up where her 2021 EP Voodoo in Paradise left off, inviting us on a journey to find a new version of ourselves.
Each track on Descent From Paradise is inspired by tarot, starting right from its opener Porch of Paradise, based on The Fool. It’s an ethereal and discombobulating start, creating an ambience that feels both natural and otherworldly. A heartbeat rhythm drives us forward before delicate yet powerful vocals come in. You can tell straight away that you’re in for something different and exceptional with this opener.
Heavenly Sickening introduces us to The High Priestess through a sultry and visceral number full of an expansive brand of blues. The aforementioned The Man in The Garden gives us an early highlight, welcoming The Devil with gentle birdsong and intimate jazz. Its melody is just as captivating as I remember it to be.
The Succubus & The Incubus brings us The Lovers along with a brooding bassline and lyrics rich with imagery. The Ghost in Bridal Lace is based on The Moon and is suitably made up of shades of light and dark. It transports you to some shadowy vaudevillian club. Nursed By Death is, of course, a take on the infamous Death card, proving a stripped-back and swaying highlight with some expressive percussive layers.
The Hermit’s Warning simmers with some minimal keys, taking us seductively into The Hermit’s world. Watch The Sun Reverse brings with it some reluctant brightness and poetic romanticism. The Witching Hour, based on The Tower, is ghostly, led by echoing strings and a sense of unease before building to a vibrant crescendo. I Am Virgo closes the album with a reflection on The World. The sound of wind and isolated vocals give it a strong sense of atmosphere before we are treated by a groovy bassline. It’s a final highlight.
Descent From Paradise is set for release 11 January 2024. You can find out more about Linden here.
