Agnes Obel, Island of Doom | Track Review 🎵

Alternative Berlin-based artist Agnes Obel delivers a compelling, hypnotic single, “Island of Doom,” appearing on her 2020 studio album, Myopia.

“But I know you with a heartbeat / So how does the night feel? / When the lights fade out / … But now it’s gone, it’s gone, it’s gone…” James Christopher Monger (AllMusic) describes Agnes Obel as “A Berlin-based, Danish-born singer/songwriter and classically trained pianist with an elegant and elastic voice… [her] poised and melancholic chamber pop … [is] atmosphere-heavy… with a succinct aura of Scandinavian refinery.” Obel appears for the first time on The Musical Hype with “Island of Doom,” a single that appears on her 2020 studio album, Myopia (February 21, 2020). “Island of Doom,” which runs five-and-a-half minutes in length, is quite a compelling, hypnotic record.  Hey, it’s already appeared on a playlist – 13 Gripping Songs Filled with Doom.

“Destiny made her way and found you in a room / They told me, they told me / To undo the rule of mind and body…”  Sigh, the lyrics of “Island of Doom” are quite poetic and thoughtful.  Interestingly, ‘doom’ itself isn’t mentioned explicitly until the bridge:

“But the road through most will lead you back
And I will be with you
For the road of your mind will eat you up
On your island of doom
Where the voices all have gathered up
To a choir of fools
But I know my mind will reach you there
And I will be with you.”

Although “Island of Doom” is lush and set in a major key, typically associated with happier things, it possesses a haunting quality.  This is thanks to the lyricism as well as the music itself.  Just like Monger characterized her, this record exemplifies the chamber pop style.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Agnes Obel delivers on “Island of Doom.” It excels musically, thanks to the hypnotic and lushness of the sound.  Vocally, Obel sings beautifully, truly sounding like a class act.  Furthermore, the songwriting is poetic and beautifully penned.  Safe to say, “Island of Doom” checks off all boxes – a surefire winner.

Agnes Obel • Myopia • Deutsche Grammophon • Release: 2.21.20

Photo Credit: Deutsche Grammophon