Why Don't We Give It A Try? Roos Meijer

Yesterday I wrote about how Tiny Fighter's new album reflected the world of 2020 and 2021. A world that had become so much smaller in all ways and one we may be entering once again. Roos Meijer's debut album reflects an even tinier world looked at from this angle. The songs seem to have been made in full compliance with the lockdown rules.

On Why Don't We Give It A Try? Roos Meijer explores the total essence of her songs: her voice and an acoustic guitar. From there little extra's were added. Ever so soft and in extremely good taste. It all results in one of the softest albums I have encountered recently. Making music in a living room taking into full consideration that the neighbours are at the other end of the floors, walls and ceilings.

At the same time the album is full of nuances that beg paying attention to. This album demands listening. Without attention there is only the slightest movement of air, breezing past my ears instead of entering them. The best experience is by listening through your head set. Lock out the world and enter the world of Roos Meijer.

Why Don't We Give It A Try? is Meijer's debut album after releasing an EP in 2018 called 'Maktub'. She recorded the album with producer Doris Veldman after a six month writing process. The lyrics are based on conversations she had with what she calls "changemakers". Musically she is influenced by a wide range of styles and music that cover space and time, as in other cultures and decades, even centuries. The result is a rich album, in its approach as well as sound.

Especially because Veldman and Meijer managed to blend these influences. Take 'Bigger Than Me'. Again voice, a few layers here and there, and the acoustic guitar are are at the heart of the song. Underneath it all is a layer of sound. This can be dark-sounding synths or authentic strings, the sound gives the track a mysteriousness. As if there's more than we are allowed to hear. The second element I find is what makes this song so alluring. Every instrument that is added, ever so sparingly, has the effect of a light being switched on in the darkness. Blinding for a short while but oh so welcome after the initial shock. Roos Meijer is able to surprise with the tiniest of musical additions to her songs. Why Don't We Give It A Try? is full of these. From just a few notes to an extremely tasteful clarinet solo like 'In My Name', it all sounds so right and so welcome.

So what should you expect? From Dutch band like Elenne May and Mountaineer to Enya and from Arabic notes to classical sounding solos as if The Beatles are re-recording 'Eleanor Rigby' in a far slower version. Above all expect Roos Meijer. With Why Don't We Give It A Try? she has produced a beautiful debut album that holds tremendous promise for the future.

Wout de Natris