The compositions from " Aftur " are not especially developed or richly arranged. They are characterized by moderation, and yet, thanks to their extraordinary talent for composition and performance, they can draw unique atmospheric landscapes with sound. Here everything goes to the right place both in terms of layout, duration and emphasis
Without any promotion, publicity or loud announcements, the alternative rock band Stafrænn Hákon is back with their 11th longplay!
For more information about the Icelandic band Stafrænn Hákon, led by Ólafur Örn Josephsson ( Calder , Per: Segulsvið and Náttfari ), as well as previous work you can read in the reviews of their previous albums: " Prammi " (2012; review HERE ), " Eternal Horse " (2015; review HERE ) and " Hausi " (2017; review HERE ).
The Icelandic band Stafrænn Hákon was founded in 2001 as an experimental one-man lo-fi project and has been growing ever since. Today it is a full-fledged band with a rich history and very interesting discography. On March 22, 2019, the 11th Stafrænn Hákon album, " Aftur ", appeared on the market , released by the Darla Records label . The material for the album was recorded at Vogor Studios in the period 2017-2018. The whole material was composed by the band, while Ólafur Josephsson was responsible for arranging and mixing the composition . I would add that the author of the cover of the album in question is Árni Þór Árnason .
In addition, guest appearances in the recordings were: Benedikt H. Hermannsson - vocals and lyrics in " Kastast " and Minco Eggersman - vocals and lyrics in " Horizon ".
According to the information in the press release, after the instrumental album Hausi released in 2017 on his latest release, Stafrænn Hákon decided to explore the melodic aspect of music, focusing on harmonized vocal lines and subtle yet dynamic instrumentalisation. The sound of " Aftur " is characterized by clear electric guitars, interesting vocals, delicate atmosphere and acoustic textures built with the help of a harp and piano. The album " Aftur " can be described as a magical musical journey through the subtle climate of Stafrænn Hákon created by their melodic-ambient approach to rock and pop. Except that in the Icelandic concept pop music is something completely different from ours.
Meeting with the boys from Stafrænn Hákon is always pure pleasure, and this time it is no different. Suffice it to say that " Aftur " is the band's most sophisticated and mature album. Stafrænn Hákonbrings us very calm and reflective music. Icelanders hypnotize us with gliding, slow and passionate motives. They charm us with flowing soft and steady beat of the drums, pastel streaks of guitars that weave a pleasant dreamy background, warm piano accompaniment, vibrating organ and fairy-sounding harp parts. Epic spaces emerge from nothingness, but instead of the expected dramatic explosions, sonic attacks and explosions, they are filled with dreamy melodies and pensive, slightly nostalgic vocals (an additional plus for the fact that the whole is sung in Icelandic). I am delighted with the lightness of it all harmonizes with it.
The compositions from " Aftur " are not especially developed or richly arranged. They are characterized by moderation, and yet, thanks to their extraordinary talent for composition and performance, they can draw unique atmospheric landscapes with sound. Here everything goes to the right place both in terms of layout, duration and emphasis. The strength of the song form of post rock music Stafrænn Hákonis its clear and clear sound and intimate mood, which has soothing, calming power. The musicians are not invasive here. They gently familiarize us with subsequent compositions, bringing spiritual comfort. This is very emotional music and you need to listen carefully. Then we will discover its meaning, true face, depth and specific beauty. Then these sounds will touch our interior, comfort the wounded places and give hope for a better tomorrow. I tell you until you want to hide this CD from the world and leave it to yourself. Great thing - I highly recommend it!
