IZHAV - “Freight Train”
Sweden has yet to let us down, so when we received “Freight Train” from Izabelle Norén, aka IZHAV, we cleared our itinerary, put the kettle on, and pressed play. It’s the very least we could, considering she had hitchhiked around the world in order to write it.
The five-year journey on which IZHAV embarked in order to find herself was well worth it, considering the vivid storytelling within “Freight Train.” It starts with some raw acoustic guitar and, after a few bars, is joined by the Maggie Rogers-ness of IZHAV’s vocal. This is genuine folk music, with nary any production magic in sight– it is simply the art of song as captured by a single microphone and it does not get any more raw, heartfelt, and authentic as this.
The natural crescendo of “Freight Train” builds as other elements are added, including some of the most delightful vocal harmonies that we’ve ever heard. While they widen the production, they also add a timeless appeal to the track– if you told us that this was some long-lost song that was recorded just after The Great Depression, we would have no choice but to believe you. Upright bass and piano are eventually added and the only aspect placing this in the present is the subsequent synth melody.
“Freight Train” will get your heart pumping for music that has been unscathed by modern technology and its story is bound to bring you back for multiple listens. It’s the perfect song for an evening in, cozied up in your favorite chair– simply press play and prepare to be charmed by IZHAV’s pensive storytelling.
-TM