‘Ævir, amen’: A Bold Jazz Narrative from GØ

The Faroese jazz collective GØ has touched the high note and delivered by far their most impressive effort; ‘Ævir, amen’. From the first note, the group’s ability to merge storytelling with innovative soundscapes captivates the listener, taking them through an exploration of identity, culture, and self-determination. The horn-centered track “Frælsi (Freedom)” meant the second track started slowly and strutted with lush horn riffs and samplers slowly building on the percussive elements. Sonically, it evokes a sense of longing and beautifully encapsulates what this album is thematically about independence. The musicianship here is precise, but there is also a level of improvisation that allows for flexibility.

GØ

The tempo is raised with the poem “Altíð (Always)”. Now, interplay within the Tuba and saxophone rhythm emphasizes the idea of oscillating interrelating with feeling with small structures being vast, making it a perfect mix of sound. Balancing hope and uncertainty is striking in a track representing the tribulations of cultural battles. Halfway through the record, a new level sonically opening “Sjóvarlag (Tides)” sloshes the audience. This track  is rich with emotional resonation as wavy bass and eerie wind instruments work hand in glove to deliver a cinematic feast of sound. Tides capture the rise and fall of the music, allowing for atmosphere. The highlight, “Trom”, expects the finest rhythms placed and the finest of relative melodies that coincide with them. In this aspect, GØ approaches producer Per Ingvald Højgaard Petersen very well, which improves their sound to even higher levels. It is at this point where the five-horn section performs its most effective role.

Bringing the “Ævir, amen” title track to a close, the band impresses. The combination of Faroese folk tunes and elements of jazz was excellently integrated making the conclusion of this album thoughtful and overcoming aspects of determination. “Ævir, amen” is not only a music album; it is a declaration. It is such a kind of deliberation that GØ band members have embarked on creating good music. It’s an epitaph of progress and of their focus towards bettering their crafts alongside culture.

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