Sigrún's Enchanting Debut: "We Were Born in Our Homes and We'll Die Here"It's like a fresh voice emerging like a whisper of crisp Icelandic wind β Sigrún delivers her expected debut album. Sigrún's musical journey began with live auditions at the Head South café, a move that proved strategic for the label's nascent existence. Sometimes, the best sounds are discovered in the most intimate spaces.
In a candid revelation, Sigrún, who transitioned from singing in an Icelandic choir to the London scene, expressed gratitude to her label for trusting her instincts in crafting this album. The result is a fascinating blend of alternative rock, eerie folk sounds, and delicate electronic atmospheres that beckon the listener into the unexplored corners of Icelandic folklore.
The album cover, a stunning creation by Icelandic designer Jon Karlsson, sets the tone for the sonic journey within. It's a gateway into a world where winter, sunless landscapes, and the earth itself play leading roles.
Behind the enigmatic title, "
We were born in our homes and we'll die here", lies a tapestry of Icelandic folklore and fantasies, particularly those rooted in the sunless winter season. Sigrún captures the essence of an era where surviving the harsh elements meant everything.
The album unfolds with an immersive exploration of nature, particularly winter, the sun, and the earth. The opening track,
Dark White Mask, paints a vivid picture of the arrival of the sunless season in a Nordic landscape, with electric riffs erupting like a violent squall. Sigrún's inspiration is drawn from Icelandic folk tales, weaving narratives of spirits and survival during the unforgiving winter.
The second track, "
Are you living or dead?" mirrors an ancient Icelandic greeting, inviting listeners to question the nature of existence. As the album progresses, "Dark White Mask" and "
Nornadans" delve into alternative rock, blending seamlessly with folk. The latter introduces electronic elements, inspired by Icelandic legends of the Norns, creating a dreamlike atmosphere with delicate electronic sounds, haunting violins, andin Indian instruments such as tablas.
"
Banished," the album's first single, is an electro-rock anthem that explores the universal theme of rejection. While the lyrics delve into conventional emotions, Sigrún maintains her connection with elemental themes.
"
A Question by Silja" sees Sigrún portraying herself as a child, questioning her mother about the veracity of legends. This track explores the impact of darkness on belief systems, akin to how flowers struggle to grow in the absence of light.
Navigating through troll-inspired tales in "
Wild Bride," Sigrún artfully avoids falling into the trap of creating an album for Nordic culture geeks.We can note the clever use of violins, mimicking electric guitars with frenzied riffs.
"
Fjallgrímsdóttir" takes a haunting turn, with a mysterious voice and an old, unchorded piano providing a spectral backdrop. The subsequent track, "
Constellation of the Whale," offers a soothing contrast, blending Indian percussions and electronic sounds to create a comforting atmosphere. This track serves as a response to "A Question by Silja," encouraging listeners to escape into the celestial sea of imagination, floating like a whale in an ocean of distant stars.
As the album nears its conclusion, "
Rebirthday" infuses optimism, symbolizing new beginnings after enduring darkness. The final track, "
Sun lives where Winter Dies," is a hypnotic ode to the return of the sun, tinged with bittersweet reflections on the mysteries that accompany the arrival of spring. Reminding us that darkness is only put to rest temporarily.
In "We were born in our homes and we'll die here," Sigrún's debut not only establishes her as a noteworthy talent in alternative rock but also offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Icelandic folklore and the profound connection between nature and the human experience. It's a sonic journey worth taking, guided by the enigmatic voice of a rising artist.
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Edited by user 11 December 2023 17:52:40(UTC)
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