Tomas Raae, Eline Hellerud Åsbakk - Jeg Tror Det Er Skoven Der Brænder (Kontentum) [Alt-Pop]
The pan-Scandinavian dream team of Tomas Raae and Eline Hellerud Åsbakk have appeared on the blog pages a few times now due to their previous collaboration and all-round excellent album ...før de spredtes, which you really need to check. For those that don't already know, Raae is a Danish bass player and restless sonic soul who likes to explore the possibilities available to him in this age of electronic production, whether it's sampling, post-production or live electronics, whilst Norway’s Eline Hellerud Åsbakk floats nimbly between Nordic folk and jazz realms.
Tomas Raae Eline Hellerud Åsbakk
It's not clear yet whether this latest single is the starting pistol for a new album or a one-off single, either way, it's great and deserves your attention. But whereas ...før de spredtes, whilst harmoniously blended electro and acoustic worlds, "Jeg Tror Det Er Skoven Der Brænder" leans into Raae's love of machine music, relegating his jazz and folk fondness into the shadows - of which there are many on this new single.
An unhurried, nagging kick drum announces the song's arrival, the mood immediately low-lit and subdued, just the way Raae seems to like it. Even in life's darkest moments, there is usually light to be had, well, if you can open your eyes enough to see it, and just in time, despite being ushered in by some heart-wrenching guitar, comes Åsbakk's sweet vocal tones to light the way. My Norwegian needs some work, so I'm not sure of the lyrical theme, but there's a sense of longing, loss, sorrow (delete as applicable or choose all three) in her tone, yet also defiance - her head held high despite the pain, wearing her tears without shame - a stoic refusal to be bowed by life's tribulations. Life always goes on until it doesn't, and so thankfully does the pair's music.
If leftfield Scandi alt-pop is your cup of tea, then head straight over to Cisser Mæhl's Familiens Muligheder album.
Playlist Companion
Find the pair in the Slow Alt-Pop Playlist.
