5 tracks impressed by Finland’s coldest and darkest season, composer and inventive pressure Simon Svoboda returns with the unbelievable new EP Kaamos. Svoboda captures the stark, haunting panorama of his residence nation, by delicate cello preparations and his haunting falsetto vocals. The title observe, “Kaamos,” embodies the eerie stillness of a sunless interval, with arpeggiated cello chords and vocals that appear to hover in an otherworldly house.
Every bit on the EP gives a novel interpretation of winter, from the icy readability of “Halla” (frost) to the fragile swirls of “Usva” (mist). Collaborations with gifted musicians resembling Varvara Vasylieva and William Häggblom enrich the compositions, including depth and texture to Svoboda’s already intricate soundscapes.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Arvo Pärt and Yann Tiersen, Svoboda has crafted an EP that feels each timeless and deeply private. Kaamos stands out for its capacity to evoke advanced feelings with minimalistic preparations, making it a placing addition to the modern classical scene. Svoboda’s artistry shines brightly, even within the depths of Finland’s winter darkness.
“It describes the darkest interval of the 12 months in Finland, a time that’s stunning and eerie. The remaining tracks draw inspiration from different facets of winter in Finland: ‘Halla’ (frost), ‘Savu’ (smoke), ‘Usva’ (mist), and ‘Valo’ (gentle). I used to be lucky to collaborate with some unbelievable artists and shut buddies on this EP.” – Simon Svoboda