For her second album Hildring (Engl. mirage) Lindy-Fay Hella of Wardruna has joined forces with fellow Norwegians Dei Farne (Roy Ole Førland and Ingolf Hella Torgersen). Following her solo debut Seafarer (2019) which regarding themes and soundscapes was close to the music of her main band, Hildring moves in a slightly different direction, drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres and exploring the question of what lies beyond the world we see.
If you are a fan and the announcement of change in the music of one your favourite artists fills you with dread – don’t worry: There are enough constants to ensure that the music will be to your liking. First of all, Hildring, once again, lays evidence to Lindy-Fay Hella’s vocal capabilities, which span from aethereal, fairy-like singing to powerful, ecstatic vocalisations. Apart from the vocals, the strongest element in the soundscapes is percussion, a familiar accompaniment to Hellas singing. But the sounds and instruments added to these two cornerstones are taken from a wider range of genres than before: Besides folk and world music, you can hear the influence of dark synth, trip hop and Krautrock. While the organic sound of acoustic instruments is still dominant, added electronics and programmed sounds create a new atmosphere and draw connections to other bands and genres so far not associated with the music of Lindy-Fay Hella. One such band, for example, would be Laika from London, playing electronic and experimental music with aethereal vocals around the turn of the century. The first two tracks on Hildring remind me a lot of Laika’s second album Sounds of the Satellites (1997). However, as the album progresses, there are also darker and more ritualistic soundscapes and the initial resemblance is lost. One of the darker tracks is for example Brising, which features deeper, fuller vocals and an anxious rhythm, while final track Gjelet gives you the impression of witnessing a trance-like state during a shamanic ritual.
Thematically and lyrically, “the album reflects the sense of wonder and awe with which Lindy-Fay Hella & Dei Farne view the natural world and the elemental forces of their rural surroundings outside of Bergen”. If you want to get a glimpse of the mountains, forests and lakes that inspired the music you can take a look at the videos produced for the album and marvel at how well the fluidity of the music reflects the water-rich landscape.
A sonic trip to memorable Norwegian landscapes, exploring their friendly and their dark aspects, past and present, dreamscapes and hidden worlds. For one of those upcoming dark and cold Sunday afternoons.
(7/10 Slavica)
Leave a Reply