Drawing from the baroque pop string and horn arrangements made famous by The Beatles and The Beach Boys, Tá hvørt ljós líkist tær is the latest album from Copenhagen, Denmark-based folk singer-songwriter Benjamin Rajani.
By Graeme Smith
Though now based in Denmark, Benjamin is Faroese and becomes the latest artist from the Faroe Islands to grace our pages. I’ve been impressed by how the small nation punches about its weight musically, and we’ve been treated to a range of sounds coming from their scene, whether it be the inimitable soul pop of jazzygold, the edgy experimentation of Silverdrongur or the folksiness of Dania O. Tausen. Benjamin’s sound perhaps best aligns to the latter, but gives us a very different approach to the folk genre.
Tá hvørt ljós líkist tær is an album about love covering its highs and its lows. Its thirteen tracks speak of nostalgia for youth and the simplicity of childhood. Though the lyrics are mostly in Faroese, the emotion comes through in the tracks’ instrumental arrangements and Benjamin’s expressive vocals.
The album opens cinematically with Orð eru fátæk, a track that rises and falls pleasantly. Stripped-back verses give plenty of room for the vocals before things get powerful and passionate in the chorus.
Royni enn at gloyma is a delicate moment with finger-plucked strings and a sense of the timeless. Previously released single Lívsins balking proves an early highlight thanks to its pleading vocals and intimate, piano-led instrumental. It builds nicely to a stirring climax. Bæði so og so is gentle and dreamlike while Sig mær most prominently displays the feeling of nostalgia that runs through the album. Minnist rounds off the albums first half in lively style with strummed strings and a rousing rhythm. It’s another highlight.
Greinar sum svørð sits the at the heart of the album, giving us a bright and whimsical introduction to a second half that includes the warm and laidback Býttur, the intimate and devastating Bláfryst og kvirr, the moody and atmospheric Stjørnuhav and the lullaby-esque Morgunljóð. Mánakvøld gives us a bittersweet highlight before Her er mín hond closes the album with a stirring instrumental refrain.
If you’re a fan of the Nordic sound associated with Sufjan Stevens or Sigur Rós, then you’re going to find a lot to love about what Benjamin Rajani is doing. His new album gives us universal emotion and plenty of sonic richness.
Tá hvørt ljós líkist tær is out now and you can give it a listen below.
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator
