We have the pleasure of sharing a new track from one of the leading neo-folk, post-classical voices in Scandinavia – Kim Rafael Nyberg aka Afenginn. The name translates as “intoxication and strength” in old Norse, a description which sits perfectly for his compositions which are some of the most beautiful and moving pieces I’ve heard in a long time. Although a translation of the Faroese was included, there really is no need as music like this knows no boundaries.
Eftirskjálvtin is taken from his new album ‘Klingra’, released 11th October, Nyberg has crafted a gentle yet fervent post-classical exploration into the temperament of intertwined cycles. Both the music and poetry (in Faroese) are composed by using interlocked cyclical patterns. Like the gears in a clock, the parallel themes intersect at points, creating contracted dissonance or lifting consonance. The overarching experience is deeply contemplative and melancholic, with a light of emancipation always just ahead.
He shared the following: “‘Eftirskjálvtin’ (The Aftershock) is the fourth single from Afenginn’s seventh album ‘Klingra’, released on the 4th October. A post-classical piece with roots in the Faroe Islands, the song has a sound palette of two pianos (played by Faroese Teitur and Dánjal), a string quartet (The Danish String Quartet), pedal steel guitar, synth bass and two drummers. This is all supported by the haunting vocals of Ólavur Jákupsson (Yann Tiersen). The track gradually builds up to a cinematic view over the north-Atlantic vast landscapes.”
The lyrics translate as “Fallen from the clouds, born again seldom saw a visage more lovely, Crashed to the ground, sprung up seldom saw such a beautiful brow”
Klingra is available on CD, vinyl and digital formats, the vinyl edition has been utilized as a compositional tool. Two different introductions are pressed into parallel grooves on the record, offering the listener two alternate listening experiences depending on where the needle begins on the circle. The B side ends with a closed-loop that musically brings one back to the start of the album.
Afenginn has performed at various festivals and venues throughout Europe including Roskilde Festival (Denmark), Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Transform Festival (Norway), Different Sounds (Poland), Oslo World Music Festival (Norway) and La Mar de Musica (Spain).
Track listing:
‘Skjálvtin’ (The Impact)
‘Litirnir’ (The Colours)
‘Himnakropparnir’ (Celestial Bodies)
‘Ivin T’ (The Doubt)
‘Vitin’ (The Lighthouse)
‘Skapanin’ (The Creation)
‘Tøkkin’ (The Thanking)
‘Eftirskjálvtin’ (The Aftershock)
https://en-gb.facebook.com/afenginn/
Photo Credit: Søren Solkær