Aursjoen – Strand
Aursjoen’s Strand is a collection of dreamy compositions that combine post-punk inspirations with dream pop, folk, and darkwave components. Strand is Ria Aursjoen’s project, recognized for her work with Octavian Winters. The title itself has two meanings: it represents a part of something larger as well as a coastline, suggesting a barrier between the known and the limitless.
The EP’s opening track, Nytår, combines cold wave and folk elements to create a fascinating piece. The track’s ethereal vocals create a sense of desire, while the lyrics depict a bleak but hopeful picture of winter’s conclusion. The main instrument is Aursjoen’s voice, which creates an incantation-like cry for the return of the sun, recalling ancient annual rituals. The song’s expressive effect is enhanced by the minimalist sound, resulting for a beautiful start.
Apollo: Apollo takes a different direction, with electric guitar leading the way in a dark, almost doom-metal that reminded me of My Dying Bride. As the track continues, it takes on a peaceful, groovy pace, combining gothic mystery with Bryan Ferry’s seductive sound. The song’s lyrical power is matched by its dynamic arrangement, resulting in a highly addictive combination of desire and melancholy. The combination of deep bass lines and atmospheric soundscapes enhances its cinematic character.
Lilypad: This track features a unique 1980s production style, with intentional lo-fi noise providing credibility. The ethereal voices add cryptic aspect to the lyrics, that explore themes of nature and change. The repeated yet attractive chorus (“End of the River”) contributes to the song’s peaceful atmosphere. Lilypad, with its surreal nature, is one of the EP’s most beautiful tracks.
Suns of Tomorrow: Suns of Tomorrow adopts a dream pop aesthetic, combining string arrangements with passive industrial tones. As a result, the track feels both floating and rooted, as if it is floating in a dream state. The Latin refrain, Pulvis et umbra sumus (“We are dust and shadow”), adds spiritual depth and emphasizes the concept of change. The combination of soft vocals and strange synths creates a precise mix of peace and tension.
For Want Of: Spreading the spirit of the Cocteau Twins, For Want Of has beautiful synths and ethereal melodies, as well as modern electronic components for an up-to-date feel. The slow, enigmatic atmosphere is enhanced by strong drumming and challenging electric guitar layers in the background, increasing the energy of the song as it departs. The lyrics address themes of desire and change, which contributes to the track’s psychological impact.
Strand: The Title Track Strand is the EP’s grand finale, summarizing its primary concepts. The song’s ethereal beauty is further enhanced by its sophisticated audio mix and excellent production, which combine melodic dream pop and folk elements. The images of the ocean, stars, and fears going down into the depths reflect the EP’s fundamental theme change.
Strand EP is a beautiful and cohesive body of music that combines poetic insight and acoustic sophistication. Each track feels like a piece of a larger whole, while also having its own distinct sound. The combination of ethereal vocals, melancholic melodies, and multilayered orchestration leads to a deep listening experience.
Photo Credit: photo by David Kruschke
