Elvar Smári - Longwave (Self Release) [Neoclassical]

Hailing from Reykjavik in Iceland, Elvar Smári is one of the slowly but surely growing new generation of classically trained composers who are equally in love with and, after being inspired by a Trentemøller remix in his case, adept at electronic music production, and subconsciously bringing the two worlds together like it was always meant to be.

Despite never having released any music before this month, or at least none that he's shouting about, he's already receiving recognition and commissions for film, television and production work, and judging by this debut single I can see why. I'm already looking forward to his debut album schedule for October.

Starting life as what sounds like a looped and effected found/handmade sound which then acts as a subtle percussive guide, and rapidly introducing some low-frequency, patiently developing cinematic synth rumble, "Longwave" wastes no time in introducing Emma Garðarsdóttir, Sólrún Ylfa Ingimarsdóttir, Þórdís Gerður Jónsdóttir and Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir's cultured strings.  As with most of my favourite compositions - classical or electronic - the musicians ease their way into the ambient electronic surrounds, with a rare sensitivity for genre disparity, before tightly weaving their instruments around each other in tight formation, gradually increasing the intensity to complement the rising electronic waters around them, (wo)men and machines in perfect harmony. The resulting composition initially floats, then cascades through the speakers, before artfully transitioning into a more traditionally classical, touching and tender second half. It's quite the debut single - only four months to go until the album.

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Playlist Companion

Find Smári in the Slow Neoclassical Playlist.