Oh Land and Arthur Moon team up for a collaborative EP, Replanting Family Tree.
Danish artist Nanna Øland Fabricius, better known as Oh Land, released her Family Tree record this year, and it was a far more personal release than any of her previous efforts. “I’ve experienced the biggest ups and downs of my private life,” she explains. Fabricius had a baby, moved back to her native Denmark after spending 10 years in New York City, and went through a divorce – all in the span of 18 months. The process of writing and recording the album was therapeutic for Fabricius – “…but in these melodies and music, I’ve found some healing… As I have often found it, music is the best listener when you pour your heart out.” Working with Brooklyn- based Avant pop musician Lora-Faye Åshuvud (Arthur Moon), they aim to reimagine these Oh Land songs and rework them on their new collaboration, Replanting Family Tree.
The first track presented is the enthralling, After the Storm. The vocals and ambient feel of the music are exceptionally beautiful on this track. It is an attractive song, and to me, it strikes a chord about living in the moment. “No time to look forward. No time to look back…Even the rain knows that I am different now.” This is definitely a fresh take on the song and challenges what pop music is and can be.
Human Error is refreshing and innovative. Thought-provoking lyrics and impeccable musical arrangement are apparent throughout: “Just human errors…Make human hearts break”. It’s stripped down and charming, and another great listen.
The next track is the catchy and intriguing song, Open. It has a deconstructed yet upbeat feel and is a very interesting piece. Checking in at just over two minutes in length, it is purposeful and attention-holding. When A Hawk Comes By is simply one of the most pleasant sounding things that I have listened to recently. Soaring and alluring vocals with majestic and captivating music, this is an unforgettable song. It has a comforting and nostalgic element to it, and it is a gem.
The final track on the EP is the mesmerizing single, Salt. This is a chaotic and brilliantly composed track, and again, extremely catchy. It’s genre-busting and no matter what style of music you gravitate to, you’ll likely enjoy this one. It is capable of putting you in a trance-like state if you’ll let it and is a haunting and inventive piece.
Oh Land used the record as a healing mechanism when writing and recording it, and as a listener, you’ll likely be able to find healing or whatever you’re looking for as well. This collaboration makes good songs better, and it is a great release to listen to through your headphones, being sure to give it your full attention. This is a refreshing and lush record, and hopefully, it’s not the last time that Fabricius and Åshuvud will treat us to a collaboration.
Score: 5/5
By Eric Keith
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