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Óskar Arngrímsson creates a most cerebral and enthusiastic kind of Electronic Music. Advancing into the world under the name Ótal he pursues the ideals of technology and experimentation. His Fjöður (40:43) proves assured and satisfying, yet maintains a close connection to the human spirit. More a probing sound study than New Age fairytale, familiar harmonies are presented over a range of sustaining textures. However soon consumed by rising atmospheres and abstracted circuits, intelligent shifts in timbre and tone support Arngrímsson in his pleasurably poetic aural adventures. As sonic and spatial dynamics expand and contract, the music moves with planet Earth - telling a story only the listener can complete. Capturing concepts more emotional and instinctive, as opposed to the academic and challenging, we experience the presence of our innovator's abundant inner realm. Cool and confident, shimmering in arrangements of striking Ambient drama Fjöður rises and falls, twists, drifts and turns through the charged colors of a sharp, smart synthetic palette. Crafted from sustaining notes and consonant drones, the slowly revealing arrangements feel constantly in motion. Each of the six realizations work off the energy of the one preceding it, and draw us forward to the next - showing connections and granting worth to all of the surrounding pieces. In a curious mix of environmental details and an impressive sense of sound, this album may be admired as much for its simplicity as for its seasoned sense of solemnity and ambience. But the most important aspect of this endeavor is the listener, who builds their own mental journey. With no single, literal message by the composer, we take guidance from his musical intent - making it much easier for us to relate the space inside our minds to the ever-present, external terrestrial truth.
- Chuck van Zyl/STAR'S END 3 September 2026 |
