Aursjoen – Nytår
Aursjoen’s tune “Nytår” is acombination of atmospheric soundscapes and dream pop, taking listeners to a winter landscape. The slow-moving string arrangement at the opening creates the vibration, bringing up a strangely peaceful image of wandering along a dark, windy road in winter, as Ria Aursjoen recalls. The ethereal aspect of the music, along with relaxing percussion, provides an attracting atmosphere that takes listeners to a dark mindset. At 1:22, the voices offer a surreal vibe reminding of the Cocteau Twins. Aursjoen’s sweet voice floats above the music, providing the tune a timeless, folk-inflected atmosphere. The song’s lyrics, performed in Danish, strengthen its link to Aursjoen’s memories of Denmark, particularly the harsh, dark winters spent ice skating as a child. By 2:42, the song had reached an exciting crescendo, with Aursjoen’s vocals rising to higher notes, as if searching for the light of spring through the long, cold darkness. The composition’s gradual build and emotional conclusion inspire the listener with a sense of desire and beauty.
Photo Credit: photo by David Kruschke