Some people are just born to be innovative. Take guitarist Eivind Aarset on this new studio album. In the blend this time there’s room for violinist Sara Övinge and bansuri [Indian bamboo flute] player Mira Thiruchelvam.
Ambient spacey electro prog in complexion. That’s a style the Norwegian has championed for many years. Aarset’s phrasing, tone, and instinct are immaculate and more than sufficient to achieve a robust concept and vision.
More reading Lost River – 2019 review
The core quartet at work on this newly released album are Aarset on guitar and electronics, Audun Erlien on bass guitar, and both Wetle Holte and Erland Dahlen on drums and percussion. These are familiar to long time EA followers from Phantasmagoria issued in 2021. ‘Slumberjack’ is the track I like best. There’s an arc to the sound and a drama that isn’t forced.
Thinking back I think my favourite album of the Norwegian’s is still 2017’s Electronique Noire but this to me is his best album since then.
There’s a raw earthiness to what he does which no amount of production erases. ‘Deep Green’ with the violin and bansuri adds a certain mysticism While perhaps a mood shift it is nevertheless welcome. But if the ‘Deep Green’ approach is extended you could rewardingly have a whole record in the vein at the risk for some of going full out into world music.
