Peaceful Soundscapes.
The old adage of 'never judge a book by its cover' holds true for CDs too, most of the time. For one, many a mediocre offering may be enveloped in a slick shiny sleeve, accompanied by inventive artwork that belies the dullness conveyed within. Jóhann Jóhannsson's 'Englabörn' however is a rare exception to that rule • its case is composed of photographs taken by J. Wozencroft that depict nature, and more specifically water, in a state that is simultaneously peaceful, rough, challenging and serene. Those descriptions could all equally well be applied to the music etched into the blue disc that the artwork accompanies, sixteen tracks originally written for an Icelandic stage play's soundtrack that still stand tall when standing alone in another context, such as that of your living room.
Opening piece 'Odi et Amo' instantly transports the listener to a pristine, peaceful yet sparse soundscape, a place where we will stay for the foreseeable future (or at least until the end of the CD,), carried along with strings like waves and pianos that drip-drop delicate notes. This is not an album of individual songs so much as an overall concept; however there is individual variation to be found within its tracks '“Eg Heyrði Allt Án þEss Að Hlusta”' for example is a lush two minutes of brooding strings, whilst 'Karen Býr Til Engil' and '...Eins Og Venjulegt Fólk' are sparsely composed, almost icey pieces. Water remains a constant running theme (excuse the pun).
'Englabörn' contains a selection of short tracks: a title track, 'Thetta gerist a bestu baejum' and 'Englabörn • Tilbrigthi' which serve as punctuation for the album. The first is a slow affair packed with trembling strings and a feeling of calm before the storm, a mood continued with added depth in 'Thetta gerist a bestu baejum'; whilst 'Englabörn • Tilbrigthi' bounces along, the strings now bursting with the energy of spring. Not that 'Englabörn' follows a pattern of seasons to the letter instead it weaves seamlessly in and out of various moods, sinister then cheerful, beautiful but rough around the edges • just like the nature it depicts.
'Englabörn' is not an album that will appeal to everyone, particularly if your taste tends towards chart music; but if you are looking for something peacefully arresting and don't mind songs without words, then Jóhann Jóhannsson may just be able to transport you to an Icelandic paradise through your stereo speakers.