Cisser Mæhl - En øvelse (Scilla) [Folktronica]
The world still hasn't caught on to Danish-born and schooled, now Norwegian resident, composer, producer, finder and recorder of sounds, singer and multi-instrumentalist Cisser Mæhl, but I'm pretty sure it will eventually. She's got serious talent and a seriously singular sound that effortlessly flits between chamber pop, alternative folk and "quietly experimental" electroacoustic visions, that she realises with a musical maturity that belies her tender years.
I guess the originality, perhaps coupled with her Danish language use, might be part of the popularity problem, but for me her music and quality transcend language, and demand repeat listening. You should also check out her back catalogue. Start with her stunning 2023 nature communing, folktronic debut, Innemuem, before moving on to the Danish literature-inspired, alternative alt-pop sounds of Familiens muligheder from 2025. Now you're up to speed, start counting down the days until January 22nd next year when her third album Mellem hænder will be, for the first time, self-released on her newly minted Scilla record label.
Even musicians aren't immune to life's ups, downs and kicks in the arse. Mæhl was hunkered down waiting for the reluctant Norwegian spring to arrive, when her boyfriend left her, and recent knee surgery meant she couldn't walk; I'm guessing the natural light at the end of the tunnel seemed like a long way away. "En øvelse", the first single teasing her forthcoming album, addresses this period, and unsurprisingly it's a melancholic, although admirably stoic affair.
The song is also the first taste of Lasse Marhaug's album co-production influence, and considering he's usually an uncompromisingly noisy devil, the track is a surprisingly melodic, fairly straight-ahead slice of folktronica, but it's a partnership which makes me even more intrigued to hear the upcoming album; let's see if he's got a quieter side too, or if Mæhl has been making her machines scream.
Mæhl's voice is front and centre of the new song, and considering it's her sad story, that is only right. The mic is close and the recording intimate, initially accompanied by some acoustic guitar in classic folky singer-songwriter style, but it's not long before an electronic breeze blows in from the north, eventually followed by some subtle vocal layering and a muted percussive pulse as Mæhl finally starts to mend her broken heart, regains full movement and inevitably contemplates life's joys, sorrows and the winding road ahead. But with music this good lighting the way, I think she'll be just fine.
If this single is hitting your sweet spot and you want some more folktronic sounds then check out the Outliers (Jenny Sturgeon & Boo Hewerdine) self-titled album.
Playlist Companion
Find Mæhl in the Ambient Pop Playlist.
