Brand new concept album from Linden

Linden is an enigmatic and visionary songwriter based in Brighton who invites listeners to explore the depths of their subconscious with the release of her debut full-length record, Descent from Paradise. With an approach as original as her sound, Linden intertwines vivid imagery, unique and powerful lyrics and an mysterious stage presence to create conceptual works that draw the audience in to her artistic universe.

The creative world of Linden questions the world around us and the complex facets of society, encouraging rethinking around the concept and idea of Paradise. In her world, paradise isn’t a singular, perfect existence but a collection of flawed yet uniquely beautiful states, mirroring the cyclical nature of personal growth and self-discovery.

In 2019, she unveiled this fascinating musical journey with the debut single “Voodoo,” revealing a timeless sound of alternative folk music tinged with elements of rock and psychedelic undertones. With her debut EP, Voodoo in Paradise, she delivered an expansion of her conceptual artistic output delivered via her highly original songwriting and stunning vocal panache.

Now, following the Voodoo in Paradise EP, Linden opens a new chapter and invites us to venture on a descent into a new paradise with her debut full-length record titled Descent from Paradise. Across the album’s ten songs, Linden presents a truly immersive listening experience with a groundbreaking approach. Each song is given a corresponding Tarot Card, colour, fragrances, flower and herb to add to the fully enveloping experience throughout the release, enhancing the poignant lyricism and exquisite sound design.

Opened by “Porch of Paradise,” an epic piece that greets the listener with abstract samples, distant percussive pulses and airy instrumental touches before floating into a delicate progressive folk scene. Linden’s elegant vocals dance beautifully above the warm plucks of bass, strikes of distant industrial style drum shots and an ever-shifting arrangement of graceful piano plinks, intricate strings and reversed sonic textures, resulting in a hypnotic, subtly powerful and entirely unique sound to introduce the LP.

“Heavenly Sickening” follows with the hazy tones of guitar twangs and hushed vocal leads before the song twists into a smokey art rock style outing. Linden’s vocals flutter above the rattle of drums and reverb-drenched instrumentation, swelling from restrained moments to softly forceful bursts to craft a memorable track that reveals the performance talent and sonic diversity of her vision.

With “The Man in the Garden,” Linden threads a dreamy blend of silky vocals hovering above soft piano tones and the atmosphere of chirping bird samples. Alluring strings, laid back drum work and rising vocal intensity combine to see the song carry the listener through an enchanting landscape that builds to an anthemic crescendo to deliver an epic finale to a superb song.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “The Ghost in Bridal Lace” with its sensational vocal performance stretching over a moody bluesy rock groove. Peppered with piquant electric guitar leads, shimmering chords, pulsing bass lines, bouncy piano work and mellow drum snaps, it’s a slick jam that showcases another side to the Linden sonic world.

“Watch the Sun Reverse” serves up a dazzling moment of magical music ebb and flow, developing from an eerie atmosphere of soft vocals riding piano before the arrangement builds up with lightly crunchy guitar notes, deep bass tones, shifting percussion and strings, both stretched melodically and stabbed with pizzicato shots.

The record closes with “I Am Virgo,” starting with playful vocal work floating above soft instrumental flourishes before settling into a marching rhythm which transitions into a spectacular display of Linden’s impactful songwriting, emphatic command of melody, inventive arrangement skills and astonishing vocal ability. It’s a stellar conclusion to an intriguing and highly enjoyable record that takes you on a visceral journey that sparks all senses and provokes deep reflection. It’s not very often we come across such a visionary piece of work and we can’t recommend diving head first into Descent from Paradise and experiencing the Linden artistic offering.

Listen to Descent From Paradise below