Ever fancy yourself doing the hula on the sands of Hawaii? Singer-songwriter Victoria Bergsman’s musical outfit Taken by Trees can transport you there, metaphorically speaking, with her third album Other Worlds. During a visit to the idyllic paradise, Bergsman found herself amidst a creative swell, so much so that she fashioned the LP as an impressionist poem that sings the tropical locale’s praises. On “Only You,” Bergsman lulls, “All I ever wanted is in front of me.” The album’s concept was not only inspired by the islands but by the instrumental music of the Beach Boys and Augustus Pablo. In the spirit of those artists, tracks like “Pacific Blue” and “Not Like Any Other” feature nature sounds. With the help of producer Henning Fürst, pedal steel mixes with the sound of crashing waves and local birdcalls. The result is a lush, airy album that wraps you up in the 50th state’s splendor and mysterious beauty.
Taken by Trees | Other Worlds, $10.64, amazon.com
By Lara Streyle
This review appears in the Oct/Nov 2012 issue of BUST Magazine with cover girl Aubrey Plaza. Subscribe now.
