Long-term collaborators Fabian Rosenberg (aka Klangriket) and Sjors Mans return to piano and coffee records, six years after the release of their celebrated debut EP The Amsterdam Sessions, with an enthralling full-length record titled Origami Birds.
At the heart of this album lies the poignant legend of the thousand origami birds, a narrative inspired by the resilience of Sadako Sasaki, a survivor of the Hiroshima tragedy. It unfolds as a poem penned by Fabian, eloquently translated into both English and Swedish, and narrated by three generations of women, weaving a world around the delicate folds, ascents, and descents of paper origami cranes.
Open the window. Let the cold air in.
Fold one and make another. An identical twin.
Make them in different colors and shapes.
And when you’ve folded a thousand
look what a difference it makes.
They spread their wings they fly away.
They go places where you’ve never been.
Caught by the wind they swirl around and around.
And when you, and I fold a thousand.
They form rainbow clouds. They will cover the sky.
Thousands of thousands become a million.
And then they fall. One by one slowly slowly to the ground.
The creation of the music unfolded over three years and more than 500 video calls, a collaborative process devoid of face-to-face meetings. The soundscapes underwent a metamorphosis as they were printed and reworked, resulting in new sonic experiences. By the project's end, Fabian and Sjors found themselves unable to discern the original sources of the sounds, forging a unique and unprecedented sound palette. Multiple layers of samples, seemingly disparate elements, warped and twisted, blend seamlessly in this environment. The album boasts the contributions of acclaimed musicians such as Dan Berglund (known for his work with Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Ane Brun, Tonbruket) and a string quartet featuring some of Sweden's most frequently recorded musicians.
The music in Origami Birds is a tapestry of emotions—heartfelt and perhaps even naive, with dark and ambient undertones, yet it displays a profound sense of hope. The album encapsulates a journey both musically and thematically, exploring the intricate interplay of light and shadow, despair and optimism.
credits
released March 1, 2024
Composed and performed by Fabian Rosenberg and Sjors Mans
Mixed by Anton Sundell
Mastered by Jonas Siöström
Bass by Dan Berglund
String Arrangement by Julia Nilsson
String Quarted led by Daniel Migdal
Spoken word: Abby Warner, Maj-britt Rosenberg, Mary-Jane Walker
Artwork and design by London-based illustrator Jordan Amy Lee
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