Shine Dión does have a livelier side, though, and "Moonlit Voice", "Waves of Green", and "The Land" are full of festive, danceable, folk-rock cheer, with major-key melodies and strong beats, comparable to some Blackmore's Night tunes. From a prog perspective, the most interesting track is probably "The Valley's Song", a largely instrumental seven-minute piece with gobs of Anderson-esque flute as well as spirited violin and electric guitar solos. Anyone who enjoys prog-folk, folk-rock, or medieval-rock, with femme vocals will probably love this- so long as they don't expect a wholly original sound.

Jim Chokey

iO Pages (the Netherlands)
2002

SHINE DIÓN Wyn (THE HOLLY HCD02)

Nog steeds zijn Janne Hansen (zang, teksten) en Per Selör (gitaren, muziek) de spil van Noorse folkrockband Shine Dion. De composities op dit album bevatten elementen uit de Noorse en Keltische folk en zijn geinspireerd door het Noorse Landschap, de tradities en de sprookjes. Vandaar ook de titel Wyn, een oude Engelse naam voor een Runenteken dat vreugde en een zich nieuw ontplooiend leven symboliseert. Het instrumentarium bestaat naast gitaar, toetsen, drum en bas uit mandoline, jew's harp, accordeon, cello, fluit, hobo, Mellotron, terwijl Trond Villa viool speelt en Hardanger de fiddle. 
Laatstgenoemde speelde ook viool op de vorige tevens debuut CD (het mini-album Berkana niet meegerekend) van de formatie Killandra. Het repertoire op Wyn ligt in het verlengde van haar voorganger. Ook hierop staan prachtige Keltische folkrocksongs, die door Janne Hansen van zuivere, sfeervolle vocalen worden voorzien. Aan de in mijn Killandra recensie (iO 20) aangehaalde referenties met betrekking tot haar stem wil ik er na het beluisteren van dit album één toevoegen, namelijk Loreena Mc Kennitt. Niet alleen de stem, naar ook de muziek heeft raakvlakken met deze verfolkster van Keltische songs. De viool van Villa speelt een hoofdrol gedurende het gehele album, sons aangevuld met fluit- en mandolinebegeleiding. De beginjaren van Mike Oldfield 
herleven in de nummers Waves Of Green, The Land en afsluiter The Valley's Song, waarin de gitaar van Selör een groot aandeel heeft. Deze laatstgenoemde track is net zeven minuten tevens het langste stuk en behoort kwalitatief tot de top van het album. De folkrockers onder ons raad ik aan deze schijf, met voornamelijk sferische en gevoelige songs, heslist een keer te luisteren. Info www.shinedion.com

Leo Hoekstra

PROGRESSION MAGAZINE (USA)

issue #41 2002



SHINE DION: Wyn

2002 (CD, 41:42); The Holly HCD02


Shine Dion (the name means "shining moon") is the Norwegian duo of Janne Hansen (English vocals) and Per Selor (guitars, mandolin and jew’s harp) that plays lovely, pastoral folk music with a progressive flair. Inspired by mythology, fairy tales and the scenery of Scandinavian landscapes, their music magically transports the listener to a timeless place where beautiful melodies rule. Hansen’s voice is absolutely enchanting, especially on the group’s delicate ballads, several of which can be found on this sumptuous recording -- their second full-length CD after a three-tune EP. Fans of Loreena McKennitt or Enya will definitely appreciate her fragile, lilting style. Selor plays quiet but effective guitars throughout, while a bevy of supporting players provides valuable contributions on cello, oboe, flute, violin and accordion and mellotron.

The CD, which is almost a flawless masterpiece of traditional folk, closes with the seven-minute epic, "The Valley Song." It’s a stunningly gorgeous piece that brings together all the best elements of Shine Dion.

Mark Newman

PROGGNOSIS (Canada)

25 Jan 2003 

Shine Dion is a duo (Janne Hansen and Per Selör) from Norway. They play folk music that, in some songs, borders with progressive. When the first track starts, a casual listener will immediately think of Canadian folk/pop artist Loreena McKennitt. True there are some ressemblances (lead voice and music style), but if I were to make a comparaison, I would compare them to another succesful Canadian artist, singer, composer extraordinaire Claire Pelletier. As you may have deduced, Janne Hansen has a beautiful voice. Maybe not as powerful as McKennitt's, but I would venture to say that it contains more feeling. Never does she "force" her voice, so it contributes to giving all the songs a delicate mood, even when the music's tempo picks up.

Per Selör and all the supporting cast are accomplished musicians. As a whole the instruments sound is accoustic, and fits well with the beautiful Norwegian landscape that is featured on the sleeve. Selör shines even more as a composer. Not a hint of a weak moment on this record, all the songs are excellent. For proggers the shining (pun intended) moment is the finale. The Valley's Song, longest track, clocking at seven minutes, on which the music is more complexe and evolves in a definitively progressive way.

If you enjoy Loreena McKennitt's work you should run to the store (or your computer) and buy this cd. 

Highly recommended. 

Marc Roy

SEA OF TRANQUILITY (USA)

August 23rd 2003

Shine Dion: Wyn

Go to Norway. Take liberal doses of the following ingredients: Loreena McKennitt’s sultry, melodic voice, and her celtic sounds. The boyfriend / girlfriend chemistry of Blackmore’s Night. Heck, take their renaissance throwback sounds as well. A Mike-Oldfield conglomeration of off-centered instruments and his Irish ditties, and even a few licks of an Oldfield-cloned electric guitar. Blend carefully and – presto – you have Shine Dion. Perhaps this cynical introduction sounds like a criticism. It is in fact a huge compliment!

Shine Dión is a Norwegian duo that comprising Janne Hansen (vocals and lyrics) and Per Selör (composer and guitars). By their own account, the music is a blend between Norwegian and Irish folk tunes, with hints of progressive. A Wyn (or “wunjo”) is the old English sign of the rune for harmony or joy. It looks like a pointy “p”, and symbolizes love and all things good, and is sometimes called the "Happiness Rune". Shine Dion named their album for the rune.

This Wyn is Celtic / English-Renaissance / Nordic folk rock, played in gentle minor keys, delicately composed and spread across a great range of instruments played by a dozen guest artists. The exotica include mellotron, cello, flute, oboe, and jew’s harp. (Really, a jew’s harp! But it’s way in the background.) There’s even a French-styled accordion in there. (No, really, an accordion!)

As eclectic as this all sounds, remember that Per Selör is a fine musician. The music is essentially uncomplicated, and each instrument is introduced masterfully, it plays its role perfectly, and withdraws without fuss – leaving wide open spaces for Janne Hansen’s beautiful vocals. Her delivery is clear and there is hardly any discernable accent.The lyrics are simple and sprinkled with references to the Nordic landscape and magic and dreams and the moon and stars and such. A bit mystical, somewhat esoteric, perhaps a little clicheic. Janne is credited with the lyrics, and the woman’s touch is clearly evident.

There is very little innovation here, but production, execution and composition are of a very high quality, and the music is simply beautiful. This kick-your-heels-up and watch the sunset music. And you know what’s cool? You can play this for your wife / girlfriend, and she’ll think you’ve finally developed great taste in music. And maybe you have.

Jeez – did I just listen to music with an accordion?

Duncan Glenday

Lethe Warden Web Magazine (Italy)

May 2003



Shine Diòn: Wyn (The Holly)

Musica senza tempo, musica per l’anima, MUSICA. Musica e Arte, Musica e Sentimento, Musica ed Emozioni. Musica sincera, musica col cuore. Gli Shine Diòn, nelle figure del polistrumentista (mastermind) Per Selor e della singer Janne Hansen ci donano tutto questo. Semplicemente questo. Sono norvegesi, non sono dei ragazzini, e se non li avete mai sentiti nominare sappiate che nella loro terra sono praticamente un’istituzione nel campo della musica folk, avendo alle spalle numerosi lavori di assoluto valore. Se amate Loreena McKennitt, The Chieftains, Blackmore’s Night, The Wishing Tree e la tradizione folk nord europea, se siete amanti delle soundtracks alla “Braveheart” o alla “The Last of the Mohicans”, se amate le atmosfere arcaiche e magiche che solo una penna sapiente di un Mastro Scrittore o le note leggere di un Bardo d’altri tempi sono in grado di ricreare, allora non potete prescindere dagli Shine Diòn e non potete prescindere da “Wyn”. Fra suggestioni celtiche e rievocazioni di luoghi in cui la natura domina sovrana, le dieci canzoni dell’album scorrono dolci e fresche come acque di un ruscello di montagna nel periodo del disgelo, pure e cristalline, pronte nel loro viaggio a raccontare storie perdute e preziose... la voce suadente e ammaliante di Janne guida così il viandante che in queste acque si disseta fra un girotondo di suoni prodotti in perfetta sinergia da chitarra e arpa, mandolino e oboe, violino e flauto, danze e ballate che parlano di amore e tristezza, gioia e malinconia e si imprimono in maniera indelebile nell’anima di chi sa ascoltare, nel silenzio, e ascoltando percepisce la grandezza delle note medievali di “Moonlit Voice” e “The Land”, o di quelle dolci di “Mist-e-ry” e “Ocean Rose”, o ancora di quelle sospese e maestose di “Flowering” e “The Valley’s Song”.... dieci canzoni, dieci gemme. Lasciatevi conquistare... (richiedete il CD al sito sotto indicato)

10/10 

Aragorn

FUNPROX (The Netherlands)

1.October 2003

SHINE DIÓN : WYN 
label: The Holly 

Shine Dión is a folky duo from Norway that releases their music on their own label. On their records they get assistance from guest musicians on instruments like flutes, mandolin and hardanger fiddle. The name of the group means ‘shining moon’ and refers to the pagan goddess of the moon Diona. Their lyrics and music are inspired by the Norwegian landscape, fairy tales and mysticism. In the lyrics there are references to astrology and rune signs.

Wyn opens with the beautiful and ethereal song ‘Flowering’ which reminds me a bit of Hagalaz’ Runedance due to the percussion. In some tracks the group uses progrock influences, like in the medieval sounding ‘Moonlit Voice’. Due tothis the songs looses some of it appeal and beauty. There are no real folk tunes on the album although almost all songs have clear Celtic folk elements, like ‘Waves of Green’ and ‘The Well’. Just like a lot of folk bands the sound of Shine Dión is a bit slick and polished. Luckily it never gets irritating.

An exception to the slick sound is the song ‘The land’. This track even sounds a bit like a quite song by The Pogues, only with female vocals. Wyn is quite a nice album, only too bad for the progrock influences. When the sound would be a little less polished, and thus a bit more natural and raw, this album would even been more than that.

Martijn van Gessel

MR BLUES TRAIN (Norway)

April 2003

SHINE DIÓN - "Wyn" The Holly HCD 02 (2002)

The follow-up to the great “Killandra” was released in spring this year, and as expected, it’s another goodie from the band. Shine Dión is still Janne Hansen on vocals and she responsible for the lyrics as usual. Per Selör still plays all the guitars on the album and he’s the man behind the music. He also plays mandolin, jew’s harp and some bass. 

The difference between this release and their previous, is most notably in the extended use of drums and percussion. But have no fear, the overall feeling on the album lays close up to the last one. The drummer and percussionist on the album is Stian L. Kristoffersen, together with bassist Steinar Krokmo, which plays on one track, are the backbone of the prog-metal band Pagan’s Mind. Strange combination you might think, but it works well!

On “Flowering”, it’s Stian’s deep percussion which opens the track together with the moody, vibrant cello of hired hand Helene Waage, before Janne’s excellent voice comes creeping up in. With the Hardanger fiddle in the bridge, played by Trond Villa, and the jew’s harp lays hypnotizing in the background makes this a fine album opener. You get the feeling of lots of space in “Myst-e-ry”, thinking of seagulls flying high over washing shores. A slow tune with beautiful piano, mellotron (played by Jørn Andersen) and a sad lonely accordion (played by Åse Vrålstad Aas). Acoustic guitar starts up “Moonlit Voice” before the vocals and flute (played by Guttorm Guttormsen as on previous album) together with drums making it gradually more muscular. 

And with some electric guitar and fiddle added for good measure. On “Watershade”, there’s full band from the start, and with it’s more uptempo beat, this one could sure have been a hit on the radio. Great singalong qualities! “Waves Of Green” sounds a bit stationary, but is saved by a beautiful fiddle towards the end. “The Land” is more uptempo again with full band and with great hit potential! It’s short, snappy and very memorable. “Mirror Lake” is rather relaxed, with no percussion, but with cello, fiddle and some fine acoustic guitar picking. 
Shine Dión has left the album’s best track “The Valley’s Song” at the end of the album. It’s a true beauty clocking in for 7 minutes. It’s a stunning tune with powerful electric guitar and great flute arrangements, which leads my thoughts to Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson. But the fiddle plays an important part as well for the overall feeling. Janne’s vocals is limited to some singing towards the end using her voice more like an instrument than expressing words. Great track!

If I should compare this release to the previous, I must say that this one has slightly more power to it, much due to the percussive expression on some tracks, even though it’s not that much. This album contains all the qualities of their first album, and it’s hard to pick one to favour, so why don’t get them both!
If you liked their first album, you’ll sure gonna love this one as well!

Tore Rosbjorgen

Avisa TELEN (Norge)
4. april 2002

Shine Dion "Wyn" (THE HOLLY)

Keltiske stemninger

Shine Dion er i utgangspunktet en duo med base i Grenland. Bak det mystiske navnet finner vi tidligere rockegitarist Per Selør (The Tracemen) som skriver all musikk mens kona, Kongsberg-jenta Janne Hansen, står for tekstene og sangen. Musikken er en spennende blanding av keltisk og norsk folkemusikk ispedd en god dose progrock/folkrock. Tekstene er preget av det mystiske, det mytiske i 
tillegg til det vi kan kalle landskapsbeskrivelser. Shine Dion har holdt på siden 1993, og debuterte med en CD/EP "Berkana" i 1994. I 1998 kom den første hele CD-en "Killandra" på eget selskap. Det virker som det er med denne type musikk som det er med black metal; det blir for "smalt" til at det norske musikkmarkedet legger merke til det. Samtidig opplever de en viss suksess i utlandet med gode kritikker i land som USA, Canada, Frankrike og Belgia i tillegg til en del land i Østen. Det er å håpe at "Wyn" omsider kan gi Shine Dion den oppmerksomheten de rettmessig fortjener her hjemme i Norge. Dette er nemlig en spennende plate der flere telemarkinger er involvert. "Sauheringen" Trond Villa fra den legendariske norske folkrockgruppa Folque bidrar med hardingfele og fele, mens sambygding Helene Waage spiller cello. Guttorm Guttormsen spiller alt av fløyter, Jørn Andersen mellotron, Pagans Mind-trommis StianKristoffersen spiller trommer og perk, Endre Christiansen keyboards og i tillegg har de fått med seg Jørund Bøgeberg på bass. "Wyn" er en plate full av stemninger og musikalske landskap. Kort og godt tre kvarter med ren og skjær balsam for sjel og sinn.

Knut H. Slettemo

TARKUS MAGAZINE (Norge)
Nr. 21 Juni 2002

Shine Dión - "Wyn"

Undertegnede har aldri vært noen stor folkrockentusiast, men jeg må innrømme at jeg har litt sansen for denne Skien'ske duoen. Shine Dión's moderne folkrock-avart har et litt svevende preg og en eventyraktig stemning, som i dette tilfellet faller i god jord. Jeg har aldri tidligere hørt de med et såpass tungt komp som her, med full rytmeseksjon og ganske perkusisiv type trommetraktering. Litt synd å merke seg at mellotronen er sparsommelig tilstede i mixen denne gang, men desto mer gledelig at Trond Villa fra gamle Folque fremdeles står sentralt med sin umiskjennelige fele. Janne Hansen's vokal passer også godt til denne musikktypen.

Jon Christian Lie

VARDEN (Norge)
20.februar 2002

Shine Dion "Wyn" (The Holly)

Shine Dions nye album trenger noen flere gjennomhøringer enn de tidligere utgivelsene. I første runde synes det som om sangen og en del stemninger er veldig like hele produktet igjennom. Detaljene og 
variasjonen trer mye bedre fram etter hvert. Irsk musikk, engelsk folkrock, ørlite progrock og middelalderstemninger er det mest slående. Det er mye norske elementer her, men de blir først tydligere når man fester seg ved de forskjellige instrumentene. Janne Hansen har en drømmeaktig inngang både til tekst og sangframføring. Det passer stemningen. De engelske verselinjene har en fin flyt. Musikken er variert og står bra til vokalen. Siste sporet, en progressiv sju minutters instrumental, har et veldig godt løft i seg. Fløyte, fele og elektrisk gitar konkurrerer heftig med mer rolige partier. Her har duoen så absolutt noe å bygge videre på. Men de ni første sangene er ikke til å kimse av. Åpningssporet starter med tung tromme og dramatisk cello fra Helene Waage før Enya-effekten trer inn da Janne Hansen starter vokalen. Så snart fela til Trond Villa blander seg, tar melodien og lydbildet en litt annen retning. Det er nesten så Villa en periode er på utsiden av låten, veldig effektfullt. Dette bør bli en 
radiolåt, dersom stasjonene tar seg tid til å spille de fem minuttene den varer. I neste spor "Mist-e-ry", renner havet inn i bakgrunnen til en engelsk visemelodi som kunne vært skrevet og framført av Donovan. Jeg tipper den gamle 60-talls artisten ville stusset om han hadde hørt sangen. Så dukker plutselig Åse Vrålstad Ås trekkspill opp og skaper noe nytt. Oppfinnsomt trekk. Tredjesporet "Moonlight Voice", med sine vandrende gitarer, er mer engelsk folkemusikk fra forgangene tider. Guttorm Guttormsens fløyte klinger godt her. Og slik fortsetter det. Å trekke inn Telemarksmusikere som Trond Villa, Helene Waage og Kari Lønnestad har vært et lurt trekk. Andre musikere som ikke er nevnt er Stian Kristoffersen,Jørun Bøgeberg, Steinar Krokmo, Jørn Andersen, Endre Cristiansen, Glenn Henriksen og Benedicte Bosrup.

Helge Ottesen