Reviewed by Stella Redburn

Redeemed is the 22-year-old Dutch singer/songwriter Marijn te Flierhaar. Although Marijn was formerly into punk pop, this is a complete change of styles. Now, his sound is atmospheric, minimalist, even ethereal. Many of the tracks are accompanied only by an acoustic guitar or a piano, although other instruments and voices are added and build up electronically. What strikes you immediately is the brutal honesty of the words. Here is a prayer diary; a conversation with God that reveals his inner thoughts, even including doubt, insecurity and anger. "You Are Welcome" expresses extreme weakness and vulnerability underpinned with a deep faith in redemption. Marijn's sensitive voice floats over some sparse guitar picking. Melodically, the tunes appear and disappear in the shifting texture. "My Confession" reveals that "underneath the surface I am drowning I am aching" but ends in hope with "Lamb of God I confess at your feet; will you forgive me?" "Forever In Love" features more of a tune, and he sings the final verse in Dutch, which is a nice touch.

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