Laia Llach: “Sol D’Hivern” (2022) CD Review

Laia Llach is a singer and songwriter based in Spain. Sol D’Hivern is her first album, and it features all original material. As you might guess from the album’s title, which translates as “Winter Sun,” nature and the environment play a central role in several of these songs, which are sung in Catalan. Laia Llach is joined on these tracks by Arnau Figueres on drums, percussion, piano, keyboard, bass and guitar. There are also a couple of guests on certain tracks.

The album opens with its title track. There is a gentle and pretty vibe to this song, the sound a combination of folk and pop elements. And though it takes place in winter, there is something bright and hopeful in its sound, particularly in her vocal performance, and also something resilient. Pau Figueres joins her on Spanish guitar for this one. You might be familiar with Pau Figueres through his work with Rufus Wainwright, Carles Benavent and Jonah Smith, among many others, and he has his own vibrant solo career as well. That is followed by “Mai Ha Estat Fàcil.” As it begins, there is a more intimate feel to this one, with hints of melancholy and longing. Then when the song kicks in, it takes on a more optimistic and positive sound. From there, it grows, and Laia Llach provides her own beautiful backing vocals on this track.

“Mediterrània” begins with some pretty work on guitar, and features a moving vocal performance, which at times seems to show a vulnerability, other times an inner strength. And throughout, there is warmth. Her performance makes this track one of my personal favorites. That’s followed by “Campelles,” which has a cheerful sound and feeling about it, again mixing folk and pop elements to create a positive vibe. Laia Llach again provides her own backing vocals. Pau Figueres joins her on this track too, this time playing electric guitar. There is something both comforting and encouraging about this music, just the sort of thing we need. Then “Dos Segons” features a good, strong rhythm on guitar, and another intimate and pretty vocal performance. This song’s title translates as “Two Seconds.” Cesc Martorell plays acoustic guitar on this track.

My favorite song on this disc is “Serà La Pluja.” I love it right from the start, with that pretty instrumental introduction. And her vocals are so warm and friendly, again offering encouragement and hope. And joy. There is a moment when you can hear the smile in her voice. I just want to wrap myself in this song. Cesc Martorell plays ukulele on this one, delivering some wonderful work. Then “Llum” is more firmly in pop territory, in the drum work and even in the way she approaches the vocals. The disc then concludes with “9 De Febrer,” which features yet another beautiful vocal performance. And for a song apparently taking place in February, there is a great deal of warmth in her delivery. And also joy.

CD Track List

1. Sol D’Hivern
2. Mai Ha Estat Fàcil
3. Mediterrània
4. Campelles
5. Dos Segons
6. Serà La Pluja
7. Llum
8. 9 De Febrer

Sol D’Hivern was released on December 16, 2022.