Lindy-Fay Hella & Dei Farne – ‘Hildring’ (By Norse Music)

By Bona Pjarren

Norwegian collective Lindy-Fay Hella (perhaps best known to regular readers from her work with Wardruna) & Dei Farne have their new collaborative album ‘Hildring’ (meaning mirage) arriving on 26 November via the ever impressive By Norse Music imprint. ‘Hildring’ is Lindy-Fay’s second album, following the release of ‘Seafarer’ in 2019 which was released in her own name. This time she has teamed up with musicians Roy Ole Førland, Ingolf Hella Torgersen and Sondre Veland, and with them she has found kindred spirits.

They say the album reflects the sense of wonder and awe with which Lindy-Fay Hella & Dei Farne view the natural world and the elemental forces of their rural surroundings outside of Bergen. Lindy-Fay elaborates further: “I have seen a place up in the Lyderhorn mountains that makes a perfect mirror in the water when still. It makes me think of the Otherworld or parallel Universes. “What is behind the veil?” As they questioned in earlier times. All the curiosities I get from walking there makes me wonder, maybe the Witches that were said to be up there felt something similar? To me it is a magical place and the favourite of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. Also, from where I grew up, on an Island by the open ocean… the memories from that place and the stories I heard from my grandfather about mythical creatures and possible dangers at Sea, gives me great inspiration as well.”

The first track on the album is ‘Hildring’ itself, also the lead single and a former Video Of The Week; it is a tribal sounding track with percussion dominated by frame drums. There are some beautiful atmospheric sweeps to compliment Lindy-Fay’s otherworldly vocals. It is a strong first song. ‘Los’ by contrast has a bit of an African percussive vibe to it. It does sit well with the album as a whole. The keyboards again adding loads of atmosphere with their soaring orchestral arrangements which build into a crescendo.

‘Insect’ again gives a different aspect to this highly unusual album. This time the frame drums are heavily processed with various effects and are complimented with simple but effective organ sounds and beautiful harmonies. Insect is probably the strongest track on the album from an impact point of view. ‘The Lake’ is a lovely drop in tempo, quieter, more contemplative with some exotic vocal line from Lindy-Fay. Definitely a track to lay back, shut your eyes and let its subtle melodies wash over you.

As I begin listing to ‘Brising’ I am struck by what a well-balanced album this really is, each track complimenting the track before. Clever use of effects and the ever-present frame drums really cement the various musical ideas together. Brising is another highly evocative song that gradually builds in its intensity. The contrast between the deep male chant and Lindy-Fay’s floated vocal is inspired.

‘Kjetto’ sweeps in like the dawn of a new day, gently warming the listeners senses with creeping swathes and increasing layers of sounds. It moves me to an almost meditational state. ‘Taag’ almost inevitably had to be up tempo, and it is. ‘Taag’ lifts the spirits and invites you to just dance wildly about. While arguably the most musically mainstream track of the album it feels like it was a very necessary inclusion. ‘Taag’ is compelling and catchy in its construction and a song I know I will listen to time and time again.

The arpeggiated synth intro of ‘Otherworld’ evokes waterfalls cascading over the listeners experiences. Like the ocean it ebbs and flows in its intensity. Lindy-Fay’s Elven ethereal vocals take you on a magical journey through the realms of the Otherworld. ‘Gjelet’ is the final track on this outstanding album. It is joyful and again up tempo, with strong drum rhythms and percussions weaving a final tribal ritual feeling song. It’s compelling in its dark evocative musical journey. Lindy-Fay guilds this experience with her native otherworldly vocals.

Overall, this is a highly inventive and at times experimental offering. I personally loved it though I do admit that it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. From my point of view, if you like to listen to something a bit different, then this is an album to for you.

‘Hildring’ is released on 26 November. You can get your copy HERE.

www.facebook.com/lindyfayhellaofficial