Back catalogue: Modern Classical

Review: olafur Arnalds' Broadchurch: The Final Chapter captures the conclusion of the acclaimed British drama with a deeply atmospheric score. This 15-track collection, released by Mercury KX, showcases Arnalds' signature emotive style, blending haunting melodies with subtle, immersive textures. The soundtrack is integral to the series' final season, enhancing its dramatic and emotional impact. From the introspective 'I Could Hear Water' to the poignant 'Take My Leave Of You' featuring Arnor Dan, the music threads through moments of tension and resolution with grace. Each composition, such as 'Ellie's Theme' and 'Going Under,' builds on Arnalds' previous work, reflecting the show's profound narrative and character arcs. Housed in a single-pocket picture sleeve, this LP offers a seamless continuation of Arnalds' collaboration with the series and an exciting and dramatic ending.

Review: olafur Arnalds' re:member originally released by Mercury KX on August 24, 2018, and now available on special marble vinyl, showcases the Icelandic composer's innovative musical journey. The album employs Stratus Pianos alongside a string quartet, synths, electronics, live drums, and a string orchestra recorded at London's Air Studios. This release envelopes listeners into a world of diverse moods and emotions, with Arnalds exploring new musical landscapes throughout. The Stratus technology allows notes played on the main piano to generate corresponding notes on two supplementary pianos, enhancing harmonic exploration. This sophisticated approach reflects Arnalds' commitment to innovative yet restrained use of technology, creating a measured balance between the new sound potential and formal compositional considerations. Tracks like the title piece and 'Unfold' (featuring Sohn) highlight Arnalds' ability to blend keyboards, strings and rhythms seamlessly, avoiding any sense of being overwrought. 'Brot' and 'They Sink' demonstrate his skill in developing complex layers around simple sequences, creating expansive soundscapes from fragile beginnings. Remember demands attentive listening, especially on tracks like 'Undir,' where the interplay between strings and programmed beats drives the piece with subtle vigor. Ultimately, this album shines through Arnalds' masterful craftsmanship, blending technological innovation with deeply human creativity.

Review: For Now I Am Winter is Olafur Arnalds' third full-length studio album. His earlier albums, soundtracks and EPs, have been released through the Berlin based cult label Erased Tapes. Building and expanding on his previous more minimalist work, Arnalds' new album is his first to involve a full orchestra (co-arranged by Nico Muhly) and a vocalist (Agent Fresco lead singer Arn). Three shorter pieces - 'Sudden Throw', Nils Frahm's rework of 'For Now I Am Winter', and 'Brim' first signalled the emergence of the album, which now hears a full length release, with additional sonic pearls including 'This Place Was A Shelter' and 'Words Of Amber' standing out as especial highlights.

Review: Iceland's Olafur Arnalds (Kiasmos) and German multi-instrumentalist Nils Frahm team up again for some breathtaking excursions in classical/ambient crossover bliss. Frahm's sombre piano passages gently dance over Arnalds' serene soundscapes and eerie field recordings on this bittersweet and emotive journey. What was meant to be a one hour video recording of the duo in action turned out to be an eight hour long improvisation session and these are some of the segments of the wonderful marathon recording. We particularly enjoyed the gorgeously haunting electronic soul captured on "23:52" where those analogue synth strings just rise and rise to an epic climax.