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Talvekoidik - Ambivalence


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When I was a child, I was terribly afraid of the sound of airplanes. I’m not even sure why—but whenever I heard it, I would hide wherever I could, under a roof, far away from that noise. And the new Talvekoidik album opens precisely with that sound. Not loud or aggressive, but still present. Does it signify the danger? For me it does. Then we step into pure subtlety—like an orchestra just beginning to tune its strings. Gentle piano notes, a soft pulse from time to time, crystalline textures, and echoes in the background that stir something uneasy.The main melodic line is stunning—fragile, delicate sounds layered over a steady, unwavering beat. Once again, I reach for my best headphones. Every sound matters here. Every element builds up so gracefully, so intelligently. Kai—whom I also know from the project S.K.E.T, known for sweeping energy—seems to explore an entirely different artistic face with Talvekoidik. It’s been six years since Within and Beyond, but it was worth the wait. Every sound here feels intentional, perfectly placed, essential.
The atmosphere is shaped slowly, intimately. You don’t listen to this music—you accompany it, following with quiet awe. This isn’t a pounding rhythm or sweeping energy that knocks you over. It’s a fragile reflection—minimalist, yes, but through that minimalism, it gains force and expression. I love this kind of artistic expression—where the artist leans into detail, crafting an intricate structure, instead of relying on flashy tricks that scream and fade quickly.
"Hyperbole" defines this album perfectly—it says so much about the artist, his sensitivity, his relationship to music, to the listener, to art as a whole. It’s a sonic haiku—a story in which each listener fills in their own narrative. One that is personal, probably painful, but strengthening. Not the kind of pain that breaks, but the kind that teaches. Perhaps bitter—but important. And on a sonic level—simply beautiful. Majestic. Even the title "Ambivalence" speaks volumes. Ambivalence is the coexistence of conflicting emotions or attitudes toward the same person, object, or situation. A state of internal contradiction—feeling both love and fear, hope and despair. These track titles tell a story. Of inner struggle, sorrow, raw emotion, fleeting joy, disappointment, abandonment. Is it a tale of heartbreak? That’s how I read it.
Has anyone ever wondered how to express sonically what shame sounds like? Acceptance, spiritual fatigue, hope, doubt? Of course it’s been done—but each interpretation leaves its own mark. These titles alone are a narrative. And what does Talvekoidik do? He uses every tool: strings, electronics, rhythm—intertwining them like a sound-lace, telling his story, carefully woven.
"Self Sabotage" is wild, untamed like an animal. Almost cinematic, like a soundtrack. Honestly, I would’ve never expected such territory from Kai. It sounds like music from a high-budget film—surprising in the best way.
Then comes "Will I Love The World Someday?"—and where I would expect a depressive piece, full of uncertainty, Kai sees something else. An exploration of self. In the background, there's a hiss at the start—like other people's voices whispering "of course you will"—and then the noise fades, giving way to a steady beat, like persistent thoughts whispering "but will I?" "but?"... those thoughts that keep you awake at night, that strike you out of nowhere during the day. This piece has no light. Just varying shades of shadow.
"A Singular Moment Of Bliss" offers—I'm not sure if it’s relief. The beat is lively but somewhat artificial. Like someone trying to convince themselves that they’re fine. Why do I feel this? Because of the darker undercurrent behind the more upbeat surface. This isn't bliss—it’s irony. Sarcasm. Beautifully crafted, especially the vocal harmonies in the background. But I don’t believe that "bliss". Not for a moment.
"Help Me Scream"—you’d expect drama, emotion, an outburst. But no. The track is quiet. It aches inwardly. Like the times we scream silently, so the world won’t see, won’t hear. It’s a deeply sad track. A contradiction of its title. The scream is mute. And maybe that’s why it hurts so much. Because no one hears. And no one helps.
The final tracks offer closure. Silence. Immersion.
What does Talvekoidik’s new album do to the listener? It sensitizes. It captures your attention, demands full focus. It gently pushes you to quiet down enough to understand—to empathize. I think this is one of those albums where each listener brings their own story. Kai offers the canvas—subtle suggestions, glimpses of the process. A whisper of understanding.
Intelligent. Sensitive. Thoughtful.
Beautiful.
Thank you.


Tracklist:
Hyperbole
Disheartened
Ashamed
Self Sabotage
Will I Love The World Someday?
A Singular Moment Of Bliss
Help Me Scream
Leave It All Behind
TrancEnd1. 

Releaase date: 25.04..2025
Label: Hands Productions

https://handsofficial.bandcamp.com/album/ambivalence
Author:
Translator: khocico
Add date: 2025-05-03 / Music reviews




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