Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Silvurdrongur – Mánadrongur (2024)

The founder of sounds that are now described as “extinction punk”, “doomer pop” or “haunted club”, singer-songwriter Silvurdrongur is at the forefront of metaphysical ethereal avant-garde with chillwave haziness in cinematic illusion. While Silvurdrongur only reached our ears earlier this year with his solo single ‘Shamandrongur’, the Faroese artist is an award-winning artist who is the force behind AGGRASOPPAR – who recently received the Steve Strange Price at The Great Escape Festival – as well as a filmmaker, poet and writer. One of the most intriguing tracks from Silvurdrongur is the one we look at now: ‘Mánadrongur’

Taken from his upcoming album nú æ teg eftir ánni’ (translated to English as “now I was named after the river”), ‘Mánadrongur’ stands alongside the previously reviewed ‘Shamandrongur’. Joined by vocalist Dania O. Tausen, the Faroese-lyric single is both similar and dissimilar to the other five tracks on nú æ teg eftir ánni’. The similarity lies in the obscurity of Silvurdrongur’s avant-garde sound; however, ‘Mánadrongur’ has a softer, gentler, more soothing nature to its off-kilter ruggedness.

Just as Silvurdrongur’s music is anthemic and set for packed stadiums, it fits neatly as a song for meditation or background music after a long day’s work. The shimmering synths carry you across a mystical pool of sound, while the bold beats immerse you in the glittering waters. One would imagine the hip hop-influenced vocals to collide with soothing tones; however, a harmonic union joins brash rap with blissful music in a toe-tapping, head-bopping, soul-stirring few minutes of music.

When I read the name Silvurdrongur my mind immediately translates it to “silver dragon”. I doubt this is the true translation from Faroese, but I believe it fits. Silvurdrongur’s forthcoming album nú æ teg eftir ánni may translate to “now I was named after the river” but the tracks, particularly Mánadrongur’, have the artist surrounding a mystical pool like a dragon protecting its crystal horde.

Soul-stirring, awesome and astounding, Silvurdrongur leaves us speechless with each melody he brings. I am eager to hear the new album and wait with bated breath.


Find out more about Silvurdrongur on his Facebook and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


Discover your new favourite alternative pop musician on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Pop playlist: