An album infused with intoxicating enchantment...
16 · 07 · 2025
A rich, vibrant journey into the past of its artist; Gwenno Saunders notes that ‘Utopia’ carries various interpretations. “In its original Greek context, ‘utopia’ signifies not the perfect place,” she clarifies. “It translates to ‘non-place’.”
Gwenno’s fourth album conceptualizes ‘non-place’ as the vague tide of memories, with ‘Utopia’ as a calm, dreamlike exploration. Reflecting the essence of St. Vincent’s ‘Daddy’s Home’, these ten tracks embody a mirrorball piano rock aesthetic, transporting listeners back to Gwenno’s formative years spent in London and the bars of Las Vegas. Exquisite strings take the lead in the tranquil ‘73’, while the primary single ‘Dancing On Volcanoes’ transforms yacht rock into a version stripped of its sunny relaxation, instead steeped in the ambiance of a nightclub.
However, ‘Utopia’ does have its constraints. The retro, time-worn musical framework may feel somewhat predictable, though the enchanting closer ‘Hireth’ stands out as a unique gem. Still, a delightful magic lingers within this collection, even if it’s slightly less pronounced than in the truly ethereal works of its creator.
7/10
Words: Tom Morgan
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A vibrant, illuminating exploration of its creator's history; Gwenno Saunders recognizes that 'Utopia' holds various interpretations. “In the original Greek, 'utopia'