A haunting array of spaciously atmospheric rock and people cohesion shines on Aftermath, the brand new album from Danish artist Niels Rønsholdt. The melodic, caressing productions enjoyably distinction with grim thematic pursuits—chronicling environmental and societal decay throughout varied cities in America. Rønsholdt, skilled as a classical composer, compels right here with an Americana aesthetic—favoring memorable vocal rises, twangy guitars, and regular rhythmic ruminations. “I see Aftermath as a pure continuation of my work with what I name ‘technique composition,’” Rønsholdt explains. “I work conceptually with personas and narratives, and right here I describe what I encounter within the language of the place itself.”
Scenic lyricism and climactic instrumentation are frequent factors of captivation all through. “Yesterday’s rain’s nonetheless dropping from properties within the metropolis,” Rønsholdt sings on “Marcy Ave,” whose light piano and plucky guitar bolster imagery of rain, snow, and an total sense of foreboding in a New York Metropolis setting. Elsewhere, depictions of a “Memphis Motel” exude a seedy sense of hopelessness, asking, “Are you scared? Are you excited?” amid lonesome guitar strains and contemplations of how one ended up “on this mess within the first place.” Settings are delivered with poetic descriptions, alongside the characters inside them and their private struggles.
“Nothing left to remain for,” Rønsholdt sings with aspirational reflection on “After Mardi Gras,” exploring what-ifs within the context of a fading celebration. Individuals transfer on, very similar to migrating birds, and the “nothing left…” chorus is shifting in that context. The beautiful, trickling guitars and ghostly vocal work on “Williamsburg Wall” make for one more standout on an album that enthralls with its thematic focus and people/rock intertwining—notably within the “nobody makes it right here” declaration.
Rønsholdt explains additional: “The songs are additionally a mirrored image on the encounter with our personal distorted reflection as Europeans within the U.S.: A lot is acquainted, a lot factors again to deep cultural recollections and roots. And but most of it’s international and unapproachable. This sense of getting come house and being a customer on the identical time is the premise for the songs and the best way they’re sung.”
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“Doe on the Roof” can also be featured within the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Rising Indie Rock.
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