Folk’Avant: Gryningsland

November 13, 2017

The Sound of Light

Listening Post 124. Step away from the urgent world and into the dazzling universe of Gryningsland (Daybreak), by the Swedish-Finnish trio Folk’Avant. Anna Wikenius, Maija Kauhanen and Anna Rubinsztein—who met at Stockholm’s Royal College of Music—call their self-composed songs “experimental Nordic folk,” and they produce a sound that’s both tight (three voices, two instruments) and spacious. Drift on leisurely opening movements that merge into symphonic soundscapes, relish the strings and savor the poetry (the liner notes provide English excerpts). The theme of daybreak—separating darkness and light, dreaming and wakefulness, allegory and reality—runs through most of the 10 songs; in the six-minute title track Rubinsztein’s violin heralds the retreat of darkness while Kauhanen’s kantele offers the sonic equivalent of sunbeams illuminating dewdrops. In 9 augusti (9th of August), stealth sets the tone: “Silently… we sneaked into a house where everyone else was asleep,” sings lead vocalist Wikenius, in Swedish, “Awake all night, you finally packed, closed the door, leaving your scent in a bed sheet where a warm body rests” (video 1). Ljusmontör (The Light Maker), inspired by the poet Nils Ferlin, describes a glass-eyed sprite who can find things hidden under the snow: “When everything slumbers in cold haze and nothing wants to revive/He emerges from his old saga, making cracks in cold crystal” (video 2). Budapest, representing the album’s earthly side, recalls a brief encounter in a romantic place (sung in Swedish and Finnish): “You say we only exist for a little while and yet nothing else you said was true/But we will always have our Budapest” (video 3). Experimental the music may be, but here’s a key finding: Give Gryningsland the attention it merits and, rest assured, the world will still be there, maybe a bit less urgent, when you get back to it. (Nordic Notes)

 

 

 

 

1 Comment

  1. Bert Ruymbeek

    Hi,

    I’m Bert from the Belgian band WÖR. With WÖR we inject new energy in old tunes from Belgium written down almost 300 years ago in Brussels, Leuven,… We just released our 2nd album “Sssht”, produced by Esko Järvela (Frigg,..) All info: http://www.WeAreWor.com We played concerts in Western Europe, US, Canada and in March we will tour in Australia.

    Does this sounds interesting to you for a review?

    I would like to give you a copy. ☺

    All the best, Bert http://www.WeAreWor.com

    > ​ > > > > > > > *WÖR proudly present their newest album “SSSHT”* > http://www.WeAreWOR.com > > > *”WÖR is an organ full of fresh thoughts and joy. Five ambitious musicians > with a clear vision of the essence of traditional Belgian music. Five sweet > rascals with a strong grip and a fearless approach to what they do > together. They’re constantly looking for new paths to explore the music > without forgetting their roots. WÖR is crispy and dynamic, full of > excitement. WÖR is powerful.”* > Producer Esko Järvela (Frigg, Epic Male band…) > > > *Womex 2017* > Bert Ruymbeek will be representing WÖR at WOMEX (26-28/10). Hope to meet > you there! > > *Bookings* > Interested to book a concert? Don’t hesitate and book us now! > > > *WÖR live @ Sunfest, London Ontario, Canada, July 2017 * > > Most welcome to our concerts! Info & tickets > Interested in a copy of our album, get yours here > ! > > >

    2017-11-13 21:19 GMT+01:00 World Listening Post :

    > atigay posted: ” The Sound of Light Listening Post 124. Step away from the > urgent world and into the dazzling universe of Gryningsland (Daybreak), by > the Swedish-Finnish trio Folk’Avant. Anna Wikenius, Maija Kauhanen and Anna > Rubinsztein—who met at Stockholm’s Roya” >

    Reply

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