Skeletal arrangements frame melancholy emotions in Open Field, the first effort from Taken By Trees. This minimalist folk-pop “group” is singer/songwriter Victoria Bergsman (ex-Concretes) along with a loose coterie of fellow Swedish musicians. Small-scale yet expansive, the album keeps a tight spotlight upon Bersgman’s drowsy-yet-expressive vocals. She projects a waif-like presence in “Tell Me,” “Too Young,” “Cedar Trees” and similarly misty-toned tracks. “Julie” and “The Legend” are at the more disturbing edge of her vision, while the chant-along “Hours Pass Like Centuries” introduces a glimmer of hope. Bjorn Yttling and John Eriksson (of hitmaking combo Peter, Bjorn and John) add crucial sonic colors with acoustic guitar, keyboard and percussion touches, creating a pastel-like ambiance. Their playing on the gorgeous instrumental title cut are particularly entrancing. The consistently downcast mood of Open Field may offer solace or deepen your gloom, depending upon conditions, but as art, these songs shine brightly.