A major sonic surprise for me-the electronics, the orchestration, and the soulful pop approach, make this one of my favorite albums of 2020. Subtle, soulful minimalism in the age of pandemics. I'm surprised that it's not better known. A real sleeper.
The problem with genres is that they can only really describe the limits of something. They are great at sketching out musical demarcations but not so good when it comes to trying to discussing anything which inhabits those points of collision beyond or between, or anything which seems to be more about following its own rules rather than the traditions of the past. In fact, anything which is too far ahead of the curve.
Astrid Engberg makes music which is all of those things.
Tulpa is the sound of music scenes evolving and whilst it leans towards sounds of the past, soul, jazz and some more R&B style grooves on songs such as Dreamers. Its beauty lies very much in its lightness of touch and the weaving of some wonderfully contemporary sounds through the proceedings.
Opening track Oasis is the perfect calling card for the new paths that the album wanders. The new fusions it creates, a blend of chiming and charming, jazz-infused delicacy but hinting at the more indie and electronic sounds, spaces and atmospherics which are very much an integral part of the album.
Daylight conjures a gentle musical landscape, one which seems to combine a slick and sophisticate uptown yesteryear groove with some shimmering and cinematic modernity and the title track which rounds the album off is an even more experimental take on such sounds. Perhaps the sound of jazz had it been invented 100 years hence and so resting on a whole different set of traditions.
For the Danish singer, producer, composer and DJ Astrid Engberg, Tulpa encapsulates the head injury from Astrid’s young adulthood, that still defines her everyday life over a decade later: ”I might never be without this pain, but it doesn’t stop me from living and experiencing life. Because life is too extremely valuable to let go.”
Interplaying between contemporary soul, classical, electronic music, jazz improvisation and her hiphop roots, Astrid sketches sonic landscapes that are both steeped in her Scandinavian roots and infused with the kaleidoscopic hues of her many travels.
Drawing inspiration in equal parts from nature, everyday life, people, images and sounds, her enchanting voice expresses both a sincere sensitivity and deep strength.
Daylight is the simple tale of seeing the light in the dark – as darkness quickly encompasses oneself, if the world moves too rapidly around you. On Phoenix Astrid conveys the indescribable connection with the outside world after years of being bedridden with chronic ache: <Yesterday I was born again. How do I explain it to someone who doesn’t know pain? The sounds, the colours, the silence..
For the Danish singer, producer, composer and DJ Astrid Engberg, Tulpa encapsulates the head injury from Astrid’s young adulthood, that still defines her everyday life over a decade later: ”I might never be without this pain, but it doesn’t stop me from living and experiencing life. Because life is too extremely valuable to let go.”
Interplaying between contemporary soul, classical, electronic music, jazz improvisation and her hiphop roots, Astrid sketches sonic landscapes that are both steeped in her Scandinavian roots and infused with the kaleidoscopic hues of her many travels.
Drawing inspiration in equal parts from nature, everyday life, people, images and sounds, her enchanting voice expresses both a sincere sensitivity and deep strength.
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