Sondre Lerche (Bonus Version)

By self-titling the album and opening it with the spare and intimate “Ricochet,” Norwegian songwriter Sondre Lerche alerts us that this is to be his most focused record to date. Where many of his previous albums were stylistically all over the place, jump-cutting through genres at will, Sondre Lerche is a carefully measured record of chamber and power pop. “Private Caller” kicks up the momentum for a great stab at new wave. “Red Flags” works with acoustic guitars and mild strings. There’s still plenty of quirk in his approach; Lerche has an unusual way of putting songs together. With musical foil Kato Adland and producer Nicolas Vernhes anticipating Lerche’s moves, it becomes the perfect puzzle. Songs such as “Domino,” “Living Dangerously” and “When the River” flow with ease and skeletal productions that hold together in the most delicate way. “Nevermind the Typos” exemplifies his quick wit. “Tied Up to the Tide” shows a carefully crafted melody and a free falling falsetto. A satisfying ride all the way through.