Silvurdrongur – Shamandrongur (2024)
Setting the stage for Faroese musicians, as well as anyone else who dares to explore the experimental avant-garde world of dance-y punk-y pop-y tones, singer-songwriter Silvurdrongur is a pioneer in a sound that is only just invented. Along with his natural musical talent, Silvurdrongur is a writer and film-maker, winning awards with the 2018 multi-release of the album Silvurpláta, poetry collection Silvurbók, and short film 111 góõir dagar. One of the brains behind Faroese band AGGRASOPPAR (who we happened to interview earlier this year), Silvurdrongur stands as a trend-setting solo artist using the Faroese language to intoxicate audiences on a global scale. Come with us as we jump into his critically acclaimed discography.
Taken from his upcoming concept album, nú æ teg eftir ánni’ (translated to “now I was named after the river”), and released alongside single ‘Spælidrongur’, ‘Shamandrongur’ is, well, eclectic to say the least. Silvurdrongur explains:
“These two new singles are both dance/club-oriented, but in quite a different way. ‘Spælidrongur’ has a brain-meltingly fresh synth mixed with watery drums and shouting vocals… ‘Shamandrongur’ is earthly with a steady beat that explodes into two separate crescendos…”
nú æ teg eftir ánni’ (set for release in July 2024) is described as poetic and symbolic bringing listeners new, unexpected combinations of sound and style. A “dark fairy tale that journeys along the riverbank of the Faroese forest”, each single captures a particular element of the trail and ‘Shamandrongur’ brings that strange eeriness along the wispy threads of kaleidoscopic fog.
For me, ‘Shamandrongur’ is like a predator watching its prey. Confident in bold beats with haunting percussion and rich vocals, it seems like a ghost stalking you in the silence. Vulnerability is inextricably woven into the melody leaving a skin-chilling sensation in its wake. Just as the instrumentation has an eclectic style, the vocals are intricate in their poetic execution. It’s as if Silvurdrongur draws you into the dark forest using an exquisite Faroese spell. Interestingly, a sharp crescendo with a trip-hop tone near the end jumps out to hit you between the eyes…then the abrupt silence is a surveillance of the creepy endeavour.
So, what is my overall opinion of Silvurdrongur and ‘Shamandrongur’? Complete immersion into his fairy tale, it is mind-boggling but totally something I would recommend for everyone!
Find out more about Silvurdrongur on his Facebook and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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