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| Lafawijn Records, 2019 |
And I must follow, if I can.
I've been wanting to write about Nortfalke since the release of the excellent Atmosfeer, back in January. Two weeks ago, this Dutch wanderer surprised us with a very limited 7" named Troch Dieze Omfaundere, which - according to the internet - loosely translates to 'By this Embrace'. I figured this would be the one to truly dive into - and discover what treasures could be found.
Before I start rambling about the music, I'd like to address that Nortfalke seems to prize the use of old, analog synthesizers when it comes to the sculpting of his music. One could argue that the combination of MIDI and modern VST's can easily mimic the over-glorified sounds of older hardware, but I think that going down that road isn't doing justice to this approach, at all.
I like to imagine that the use of hardware - and its limitations - creates a strong bond between the artist and the material. One that forces the musician to make radical choices, take his losses and cherish his victories. One that's more adventurous, since the further the music develops, the more it dictates - and there's no way to go, but to go forward, deeper into its core.
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| Nortfalke |
Nortfalke makes it rather easy to assume that what's stated above is true. His music is incredibly adventurous, surrounded with mystique and dangerously easy to succumb to. It feels lived in. Molded. Rather than being a quick escapism for the artist, it feels like something that has ripened and now is ready to be shared with those who have a taste for it.
Troch Dieze Omfaundere’s A-side at first feels like a continuation of his previous efforts. Wildly atmospheric, minimal and deep. It’s slightly less melodic than most of the material that you would find on Atmosfeer, but instead delivers a strong sense of introspection. A sense of flight and solitude.
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| Excerpt from 'Verscholen Dimensies'. |
Where the A-side shines because of its minimal and brooding atmosphere, the B-side shines because of the complete opposite. Both Tacht Nooi De Baalch and Leechte embrace a more melodic approach that forces us to listen and simultaneously drag us through airy and rich landscapes. The use of deep and repetitive percussion makes both tracks feel alive and welcoming. No longer are we floating high above nearly visible grounds; we are somewhere - and this somewhere tries to speak to us. The adding of shouting vocals to Leechte only extends this feeling of being welcomed in an unfamiliar surrounding.
When Leechte ends, the 7” ends. My needle returns to his familiar resting place, yet I feel restless. Restless and curious towards future stories by this wonderous artist.
TL;DR: Highly recommended.
Troch Dieze Omfaundere is a short adventure when it comes to length, but gives a lot of material and diversity to truly dig into.
Nortfalke on Bandcamp | Nortfalke on Facebook
