AURSJOEN - Strand
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The debut EP "Strand" from AURSJOEN, set for release on November 15, 2024, via Stratis Capta Records, is a stunning blend of ethereal soundscapes and haunting vocals that dive deep into emotional complexity. Fronted by the enigmatic Ria Aursjoen, known for her work with Octavian Winters, this project showcases her ability to channel her synesthesia—a rare neurodiverse condition where sounds are perceived as colors and textures—into music that feels as visual as it does auditory.
From the first note of "Nytår", the listener is pulled into a cinematic and sensory world. Delicate piano motifs evolve into sweeping, symphonic crescendos, creating an atmospheric depth that serves as the perfect foundation for Aursjoen’s emotionally charged voice. Her vocals in tracks like "For Want Of" (out on 21st October 2024) feel raw and personal, as if each note carries fragments of her soul, blending sorrow and strength into a breathtaking performance. This is especially striking in "For Want Of", where the contrast between winter’s cold and fire’s warmth becomes not just a lyrical motif but an emotional experience for the listener. The vocal layering mirrors Aursjoen’s inner conflict, beautifully uniting opposing emotions.
The production, helmed by William Faith (known for his work with Faith and the Muse), allows each track to breathe and build in complexity. His experience brings a level of nuance to the arrangements, balancing organic folk elements with darkwave and goth undertones. The guitar work from Stephan Bryan Salit adds atmospheric flourishes that deepen the emotional tone of tracks like "Lilypad" and "Apollo", drawing listeners into a world that feels ancient, yet futuristic.
Aursjoen’s synesthesia plays a vital role in shaping the sonic textures of the album, transforming her auditory experiences into rich, visual landscapes. Her ability to perceive music as colors and structures results in a layered and intricate production that feels almost painterly. Every sound feels deliberate, every note part of a larger, interconnected vision that makes the EP not just music but an immersive art piece.
"Strand" feels like a journey of self-exploration, where contrasts—dark and light, warmth and cold—come together to create something both deeply personal and universally resonant. The music evokes comparisons to icons like Dead Can Dance and Cocteau Twins, yet Aursjoen’s vision is uniquely her own, offering a fresh, evocative take on ethereal gothica.
In "Strand", AURSJOEN delivers a profound and poetic meditation on inner conflict, emotion, and beauty. It’s a remarkable debut that lingers long after the music fades.
From the first note of "Nytår", the listener is pulled into a cinematic and sensory world. Delicate piano motifs evolve into sweeping, symphonic crescendos, creating an atmospheric depth that serves as the perfect foundation for Aursjoen’s emotionally charged voice. Her vocals in tracks like "For Want Of" (out on 21st October 2024) feel raw and personal, as if each note carries fragments of her soul, blending sorrow and strength into a breathtaking performance. This is especially striking in "For Want Of", where the contrast between winter’s cold and fire’s warmth becomes not just a lyrical motif but an emotional experience for the listener. The vocal layering mirrors Aursjoen’s inner conflict, beautifully uniting opposing emotions.
The production, helmed by William Faith (known for his work with Faith and the Muse), allows each track to breathe and build in complexity. His experience brings a level of nuance to the arrangements, balancing organic folk elements with darkwave and goth undertones. The guitar work from Stephan Bryan Salit adds atmospheric flourishes that deepen the emotional tone of tracks like "Lilypad" and "Apollo", drawing listeners into a world that feels ancient, yet futuristic.
Aursjoen’s synesthesia plays a vital role in shaping the sonic textures of the album, transforming her auditory experiences into rich, visual landscapes. Her ability to perceive music as colors and structures results in a layered and intricate production that feels almost painterly. Every sound feels deliberate, every note part of a larger, interconnected vision that makes the EP not just music but an immersive art piece.
"Strand" feels like a journey of self-exploration, where contrasts—dark and light, warmth and cold—come together to create something both deeply personal and universally resonant. The music evokes comparisons to icons like Dead Can Dance and Cocteau Twins, yet Aursjoen’s vision is uniquely her own, offering a fresh, evocative take on ethereal gothica.
In "Strand", AURSJOEN delivers a profound and poetic meditation on inner conflict, emotion, and beauty. It’s a remarkable debut that lingers long after the music fades.
Tracklist:
1. Nytår
2. Apollo
3. Lilypad
4. Suns of Tomorrow
5. For Want Of
6. Strand
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Label: Stratis Capta Records
Pre-order:https://aursjoen.bandcamp.com/album/strand
