Pieternal is a Dutch singer songwriter who has been featuring on these pages since 2021 but I’ve yet to have a chance to review her music personally. That’s all about to change with the release of her new EP. Consisting of five acoustic versions of tracks from her previously released album Underneath this Skin, it’s called Acoustic Tales.
By Graeme Smith
Acoustic Tales opens with its single Standing on the Edge. It’s a track that combines the vibrant with the quiet expertly. Minimal plucked guitar backs crystalline vocals in the first verse before the drama of the instrumental arrangement begins to climb with mournful strings. It perfectly captures the powerful story of the track’s lyrics, especially during an understated but cathartic climax.
Underneath this Skin brings with it some rustic Americana and visceral imagery in its lyrics. The acoustic take truly ramps up the intimacy and vulnerability of its tale. Ugly Beast is a dark and slow-burning number that strips things right back. Pieternal’s characterful vocals are put centre stage and they do not disappoint.
The Harbor lightens things a touch with a soft guitar melody and some angelic harmonies before focus track Promise Of A Postcard closes the album, Co-written with Stephanie Struijk, it’s a beautifully lilting and heart-breaking moment that will transport you. It’s a highlight.
If you enjoyed Underneath this Skin then you definitely need to check out these acoustic reimaginings. The stripped-back style on this collection puts emphasis on the quality of Pieternal’s vocals and the emotion of the tracks’ stories. If, like me, you are discovering these tracks anew, you may find your next musical love.
A collaborative experience, Pieternal worked with a host of big names in the industry to create this record, including Bill Diluigi, Femke Weidema and many others. Acoustic Tales was recorded with guitarist and producer Bram Doreleijers. You can give it a listen below.