A Closer Listen
Autumnal weather reminds us of the nordic concept of hygge, which is not completely translatable but refers to a certain mood of comfort, coziness, and togetherness. Hygge, which became an international phenomenon a few years ago, is a staple of the famously alluring Scandinavian culture that so many of us outside the region envy.
Earlier this fall, Lars Bech Pilgaard went on a small tour around his home country of Denmark to celebrate his latest album’s debut. The improvisational nature of the music and the fact that Pilgaard’s designer arranged the stage differently for each performance ensured that every show was unique. The tour was designed to “create the framework for a sensual, intimate experience.” As much as we would have loved to attend such a concert in person, we are pleased to report that simply listening to the recorded version of Folklórica is itself a deeply sensual and intimate experience. The album embodies such a raw vulnerability and sense of connectedness that it imparts a taste of hygge to listeners wherever they may be.
The title of Folklórica’s first single is 11°11′N 4°17′W, which– if our orienteering skills are up to snuff– appears to be the coordinates of a primary school in Burkina Faso, West Africa. 11°11′N 4°17′W is part of the album’s penultimate “chapter,” which is composed entirely of banjo. The choice to use an instrument deeply rooted in American folk may seem an interesting juxtaposition to the tune’s African modality, though the modern banjo actually originates from West African instruments made of animal hides stretched over gourds. This section also includes “Varia,” a burst of impressively frantic fingerpicking, as well as “Ancestralism,” a haunting and solemn tune to honor generations of the past. On the latter, Pilgaard bows the banjo (like a violin) so as to mirror the creaks and cries of a faraway underworld.
He uses a similar technique on the album opener, “Savn,” loss or yearning in Danish. On this track, a bow drags across guitar strings slowly and mournfully, gradually building in intensity. “Savn” lies somewhere between folk and ambient, as does the 12 minute long “Source of life.” Played on prepared guitar, “Source of life” is one of the album’s most emotionally impactful tracks even though it’s also one of the most musically subdued.
Folk is a broad music genre– most every culture around the world has their own different version of it. It’s also traditionally the most unifying genre, as it is created by and for community gatherings. Though the instruments on Folklórica are played solo, the album captures this essence of globality and community. Laars Bech Pilgaard shares his joys and sorrows through the music, allowing listeners to feel that they are sharing some of the burden of their own. As the days get colder and shorter, Folklórica is a warm slice of hygge. (Maya Merberg)
Sun Nov 10 00:01:00 GMT 2024