Isak’s Island – Someone I’d Recognise (2023)
The brainchild of Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Aksel Undset, Isak’s Island blends various flavours of folk together in a rugged but soothing poetic bliss. Technically formed in 2013 with the release of space-rock EP, Peculiar Calls From Outer Space, he began his solo career with an intriguing blast. In the same year, he relocated to the UK and formed a live touring band performing as an individual and group project. Since then, the band have released numerous albums and singles to critical acclaim. The most recent addition to his discography is the single ‘Someone I’d Recognise’.
Following his single ‘Portals’, ‘Someone I’d Recognise’ is another of the tracks from Undset’s upcoming album Fallen Anchors On The Sea Bed. Drawing together different styles of folk, there is a strong folk-inspired tinge in the intimate song. Interestingly, while the acoustic single has the bold intimacy and tenderness of 70s artists like Leonard Cohen, Undset ensures originality in his work – something nostalgic but also contemporary.
Self-produced alongside Herman Wildhagen and various talented musicians, ‘Someone I’d Recognise’ uses its arrangement to enhance the poetic melancholy of the track. The incorporation of Häkon Aase’s classical strings, Äsmund Skjeldal Waage on vibraphone, and Undset on mandolin create a kaleidoscopic sonic pool filled with wistful, evocative and intriguing waves.
While ‘Someone I’d Recognise’ has a spine-chilling haunting to the melody, it is actually a somewhat less eerie story. Telling the tale of a romantic relationship portraying a particular time in the streets and venues of London, ‘Someone I’d Recognise’ could be the theme song for those Emily Bronte “dark of the night meet me in the street” romances. Devious and filled with a sense of despair, there is a darkness to the track; however, the melancholic tone only increases the intimate sensation of this exciting tryst.
For more from Isak’s Island, check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
