1 month ago
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On “Breathe With Me”, Ólafs wanders through the textural landscape of Iceland, finding herself at ease with the natural environment. Her very recording process “written in the dark via candle light” sheltered by Eyjafjallajökull, the famous volcano that lies dormant nearby. Weaving elements of alternative pop and folk tinged melodies, married with left-field production techniques, debuts a track that blooms into something completely unexpected across its four minute duration.
Thinking about a volcano lying in stasis, having the potential to erupt is a true reflection of the way the track builds itself up in pieces. The grand voice of Ólafs is a constant as she cries out “breathe on me, no need to run,” before she is accompanied by rich orchestral music, eventually rising into a fitting guitar blow-out that soon fades, as a volcano can lie in state for another generation.
Olafs points to influences such as “Phoebe Bridgers for direct inspiration” citing an admiration for her “powerful vocals”. There is definitely a shared ability for tremendous vocal range between the two musicians. “Breathe With Me” was sparked into life by a change of scenery for Ólafs herself. “I grew up in the city and chose to follow my husband’s dream of living in the countryside and owning his own farm,” she says. It is an unconventional landscape for the average musician, but there is nothing average about the setting that Ólafs resides in.
Her musical journey saw her debut with 2019 self-titled EP Valborg Ólafs, a similarly wonderful collection of alternative pop. “Breathe With Me” now under her belt, there is even an indication of other avenues she would like to explore: “I want my home to be a sanctuary for musicians to come and record, a place where individuals can bring their instruments and create.”
“Breathe With Me” is beautiful, memorable and wholly unique. There are glowing comparisons here to be made with local contemporaries Sigur Rós and Laufey, and with what should be an exciting new year for music, we should expect Valborg Ólafs' name to be mentioned in the great pantheon of Icelandic stars.
English (US) · 