Thoughts on “Rocky Top Ballads” by Fine

Member of The Crying Nudes, Fine (A.KA Fine Glindvad) had released an album this past summer that I’ve discovered not too long ago. She is a singer/songwriter from Denmark, Copenhagen signed with the record label Escho. Her new album “Rocky Top Ballads” has some vinyl sold out which I hope will be sold online again in the future. Her music feels like a kick-back with friends in a small gathering. I recommend listening to this in whatever setting one pleases to be in. 

I’ve discovered this album out of curiosity to see what Fine’s solo work sounded like in comparison to the band. I would say that it does have similarities with a somewhat hazy rhythm but lyrically it feels carefree and sorrowful in some bits. I’m a bit surprised I’ve come to appreciate this album as it doesn’t have drums and percussion in some of the tracks. I think the piano in “Whys” has an experimental feel that Tirzah encaptures in her music as well. If you like Tirzah (specifically her ballads), I recommend giving Fine and The Crying Nudes a listen (or vice versa)!

The production of the pieces work cohesively well and it doesn’t feel abrupt listening to the album in its entirety. I feel that Fine really has their own touch and sense to produce her work. She has that sort of 2017 indie-pop and indie-sleaze type of vocals that feel nostalgic but with an artistic twist that makes it her own. The reverb is noticeable throughout the album and immerses the listener into it as if sitting on a porch on a crisp, tranquil night. I guess the title really gives away the type of “ballads” the listener is coming in for. 

I might look more into Escho’s label to discover more artists like Fine as I found this newly released album to be delectable and fresh. Diving more into soft ballads is the way to do it this upcoming winter.