Let It Come Down by Odilon: A Folk Gem That Sneaks Up On You
Alright, let’s talk about Let It Come Down, the 2011 album from Odilon. If folk music had a secret handshake, this record would know it—and probably teach you a few new ones while we’re at it. Released under the mysterious "Not On Label" (which sounds like something my teenage self would’ve scribbled on a mixtape), this thing is pure acoustic soul food. And before you ask, yes, Bo Høyer does basically everything here—vocals, guitar, harmonica. The guy's got more hats than a milliner's shop.
Now, I’ll be honest: when I first hit play, I wasn’t expecting much. But then came track two, "Panda Skull". Yeah, weird name, right? Like, what even IS a panda skull doing in a folk song? Turns out, it’s not really about pandas or skulls—it’s one of those songs where the title just kinda sits there being cryptic while Bo sings his heart out. The harmonica bits are raw and haunting, like someone left a ghost in your headphones. By the second verse, I was hooked. It’s the kind of tune that makes you want to sit by a campfire—even if you don’t have one handy.
Then there’s "8000 Golden Eyes", which might as well come with a warning label: “May Cause Daydreaming.” This track feels like walking through an autumn forest, except instead of crunchy leaves, you've got Bo’s gravelly voice guiding you along. His acoustic guitar work is so unhurried it practically yawns, but somehow it works. There’s a simplicity to it that sneaks up on you, like realizing too late you’ve been humming the same line for hours.
The rest of the album keeps things low-key cool. Tracks like "Winter Left Us Cold" and "Plastic Flowers" feel like old friends who show up unannounced but still bring good vibes. Even "One More Day Of Night"—a slow burner with shades of melancholy—sticks around long after the final chord fades.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Let It Come Down feels less like hearing an album and more like eavesdropping on someone’s diary. It’s intimate, unpolished, and refreshingly human. You can almost picture Bo sitting cross-legged in some tiny studio, pouring his guts into these songs without worrying about impressing anyone. And honestly? That’s what makes it special.
So yeah, if you’re into folk music that doesn’t try too hard but still knocks your socks off, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start craving harmonicas and existential musings afterward. Oh, and fun fact: pandas actually do have skulls. Who knew?