Swedish americana, if you will. Sofia Talvik imported some fine American talent to her studio in Sweden and crafted an album of dramatic folk songs. Think early Nanci Griffith (Rounder-era) with more of a focus on the music.

Sofia Talvik Center of the Universe (self-released)

Her accent is a pleasant bit of window dressing, a reminder of who she is. Otherwise, it would be easy to simply imagine her in Asheville (or a similar place). And while Talvik does not shy away from building to a climax, she isn't addicted to that rush. She allows her songs to build (or not) naturally.

Talvik does belong to that set of folk artists who use music as a backdrop. She places her voice front and center, and it's quite the instrument. She has an impressive emotional range. It matches the apparent ease of her musical range.

At times I felt like this might be a bit too polished, but that's probably as much a result of Talvik's supple voice as anything else. She's the opposite of raw, and that suits her songs well. Grown-up music has its charms, and Talvik is awash in them. A warm and inviting set.

Jon Worley