Guther: Sundet

Guther is the pairing of singer Julia Guther and Berend Intelmann. Guther (the singer) possesses a sweet, simple voice on the melancholic, smart, highbrow pop of “Still in This Town”, which brings to mind the Cranberries to some extent. Think of the Dears without the guitars and Murray Lightburn, and you might get a better idea. Meanwhile, the group change gears with “Statements”, a number which makes a very strong statement that sounds like Nico fronting Stars. Each song is very well-crafted, particularly the light, warm “Many Frames Per Moment”, which is rather adventurous and quite pleasing. When Guther slow things down, and are in no hurry to finish, they shine with a gorgeous and thoughtful “Throwing Thoughts”. Perhaps the true highlight though is “Trick or Treat”, a winding, tempo-changing affair that hits all the right places. Just as good is the Britpop feel behind “Afraid” and “Even When It’s Not” that resemble Pulp. While it won’t make year-end lists, this is the sort of record that has a timeless quality about it.