Ida Maria Throws Herself A Long-Delayed Coming-Out Party

Our look at the closing lines of the week’s biggest new-music reviews continues with a roundup of reactions to Ida Maria‘s Fortress ‘Round My Heart, which is, after what seems like forever in Internet time, available from non-digital U.S.-based retailers today:

• “Fortress ‘Round My Heart may take its title from a line in ‘Oh My God,’ but the album’s lyrics often center on the pool of alcohol around Maria’s liver. Except when she’s singing about love, God and prostitutes in ‘Stella,’ a power-pop song whose lyrical depth and raw, riveting vocal add up to yet another standout, thus confirming that Ida Maria is a Scandinavian sensation worth screaming about.” [J. Freedom du Lac, Washington Post]

• “Ida Maria throws herself into every song as if it’s all a big finale, which makes for an auspicious beginning.” [Lindsey Thomas, Spin]

• “With a neurological condition known as synesthesia that allows her to see colours when she hears music, Ida Maria must be seeing yellow, orange and red when she performs, given the joyful punch her music brings.” [Canadian Press]

• “Still, overreaching is a forgivable flaw on an otherwise accomplished debut, which usually sounds so confident in its creator’s insecurities.” [Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork]