Music For Small Rooms
Svalka, 2022
8/10
Listen to Music For Small Rooms
The multi-instrumentalist Erik Dahl returns with a solo album, where much focus on instrumentation and prog-rock ideas are still rooted in chamber sounds that welcomes some impressive guests.
“Postpop” opens the listen with elegant piano alongside dreamy, wordless vocals that float with much beauty and grace in an eerie sort of way, and “Natural Home” follows with contributions from Anna Cochrane on viola and William Soovik’s drums that help make for a fuller, chamber presence.
At the midpoint, “The Leopard” uses firm keys and Cochrane’s stirring viola as well as Filip Leyman’s strategic percussion for a bit of a more rock influenced template, while “Mannen med bollen” recruits Anna Malmstrom’s skilled bass clarinet and Cochrane’s fluid viola for some pop friendly moments amid the folk nods.
Near the end, “Between Heartbeats” offers a bit of mystery between the atmospheric piano and modular synth from Leyman, and “Bornevise fra Skibby” exits the listen intimate, with a low buzzing and emotive keys that flows with a very reflective tone.
A record that’s cinematic, often minimal and occasionally haunting, Dahl brings his piano, harmonium, synth, voice, field recordings and guitar to a hybrid jazz, pop, folk, chamber body of work that’s quite fascinating.
Travels well with: Erik Dahl Ensemble- Gethenian Suite; Cary Heuchert- Hourglass