Hana Stretton

*250 copies limited edition* 'Latest Hana Stretton's album has an intimacy akin to Lynn Avery’s Carpet Cocoon, but with less clarity and more vagueness and elusion. Its warmth is shrouded in a thick layer of fuzz, with nods to ambient music allowing the music to creep in like a sunset. Despite its elusive nature, it refuses to keep a distance between the listener—it’s intriguing and thoughtful, subtle and moving. There’s something naturally magical about Soon—your reflection in the lake, the chirping of the birds, the crisp evening air, your feet in the grass, your presence in the moment—it’s a painting encapsulating the tenderness of the organic world.

Each listen uncovers more and more beauty, as unraveling the vagueness that Soon is wrapped in reveals just how touching it can be. While her quiet singing is nearly unintelligible, it serves to the warming nature of the elusiveness. Her lyrics may be hard to identify, but her melodies are not—her quiet croons are the narration to the natural environment that Soon takes place in, guiding the heart with little to no need for lyrical understanding. It’s moving on its own, especially when she layers her voice to create magical echos, like in the standout “Can II”.

There is a certain texture that this album embodies: it’s nostalgic but new, rustic but fantastical, intimate but vague. It meets the listener where they’re at, then encourages to follow it through its own world. Soon, you’ll understand.' - albumoftheyear.org