Ólafur Arnalds Transports You To A Magical World In "re:member"

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: the music that comes out of Iceland is some of the most enchanting on this planet. Ólafur Arnalds' latest record is certainly a testament to that. Ólafur Arnalds transports you to a magical world in re:member, his mysterious yet beautiful record that beautifully brings together curiosity and wonder.

re:member is a relatively simple record, but with every little detail it offers, it makes certain to use them to the fullest. Opening track, the eponymous 're:member,' is beautifully chaotic, uncontrolled yet ethereal. There's a certain purity this record has that is never quite broken. The gentleness of 'saman' and the crystalline, reflective sound of 'momentary' are so seemingly fragile that they trap you, as if it were that if you were to move, you'd shatter their integrity. Though simple, this record has a unique, brilliant way of capturing you.

Not only does re:member capture your attention, but it captures the rest of your sense, as well. It's a very interactive record, its slow but explorative. These songs take you a journey through some great unknown, each track taking you to a new magical place. You're surrounded by bright stars as you speed through the unknown with 'inconsist,' its drive on the album providing some momentum for your journey. Other tracks see you traveling alone, such as the curious 'ypsilon' and spacious 'partial.' The build of 'ekki hugsa' sees you discover something incredible before the record ends, somewhat longingly and in awe with 'nyepi.' It's a journey from start to finish.

Ólafur Arnalds transports you to a magical world in re:member, each song being another chapter of an endless journey. There's a fragile atmosphere about this record that wraps you in, capturing you in a sort of trance, afraid to move as to not interrupt its gorgeous flow. This record captures all your sense and brings you on a magical journey in the most brilliant yet simplistic ways.

Favorite Track: ekki hugsa

Least Favorite Track: brot

Rating: 77 / 100

Stream or buy re:member on Apple Music, and follow our 2018 Playlist on Spotify: