Following the success of their 2023 release ‘Stockholm København’, two of Denmark’s most celebrated musicians in multi-instrumentalist Gustaf Ljunggren and drummer Emil de Waal present their fourth collaborative album.
Expanding on their growing reputation for crafting songs and sounds with masterful senses of subtlety, narrative and capacity to form meaningful connections with their collaborators and audiences alike, ‘Mikroklima’ was released on February 7th on April Records.
One element that truly sets this album apart, is the bold move of inviting a group of 12 year old school children from a music class into the studio to record alongside Gustaf and Emil. Drawing from years of experience leading music workshops with young musicians, on ‘Mikroklima’ Ljunggren and de Waal wanted to capture the sound of musicians from different generations and experiences coming together to contribute their ideas to their compositions.
I was a big fan of ‘Stockholm København’ so, now my music mojo is finally returning, I had to listen to this new release and ‘Mikroklima’ didn’t let me down. These two incredible musicians have created something organic that truly flows from track to track. Ljunggren’s elegant acoustic and electric guitar playing blends with de Waal’s sophisticated grooves creating something almost organic in nature. These two have an almost symbiotic relationship and are utterly complimentary to each other. The lush swathes of synthesisers and Rhodes piano add a spiritual feel to the proceedings and the whole album has an ethereal atmosphere.
These tracks are not just written, they are subtly crafted and created to have soul and to connect with the listener in a meaningful fashion. Listening to these amazing musicians at the height of their creative power is something quite wondrous to behold and an utter privilege. Through the mesmerising title track Mikroklima and the more strident Bolde all the way to the final two musical gems, Waaltz and Meeen, Ljunggren and de Waal take you on a mesmerising and hynoptic musical journey that sometimes challenges you but is always nothing less than captivating, enthralling and spellbinding.
It’s hard to pick one track out as a favourite as the album should really be consumed in one sitting for the full, glorious listening experience but Brud is consummate style and panache personified and as cool a jazz track as they come.
Restrained and yet bursting with spirituality and, most of all, life, ‘Mikroklima’ is more than just a collection of songs, it is a living entity that exists to bring joy to all who listen to it.
Released 7th February, 2025.
Order from bandcamp here:
https://gustafljunggrenemildewaal.bandcamp.com/album/mikroklima