New Music: Loney Dear – ‘My Heart’

Loney Dear“My Heart,” the Swedish Sufjan Stevens’ first single from the October-due Hall Music, finds Loney Dear turning a little New Age. Though the rush of strings and reverb-drenched guitars are still soaked in the somber feel of 2009’s Dear John, the sentiment is decidedly sweeter: “No sadness / no disappointments / no tiredness.” Lest you think he’s turned into Deepak Chopra, Emil Svanängen’s vocals grow bold, even heated, a contrast that keeps the song from lulling you through a guided meditation. (A friendly reminder: Loney Dear’s 2007 effort, Loney, Noir, is still a stone classic.)

(Hall Music is due 10/4 on Polyvinyl)