Olafur Arnolds - "Ljosio"

Ólafur Arnalds - Ljósið (Official Music Video) from Erased Tapes on Vimeo.

Without going too much into details, I've been going through a really tough point in my life. Much emotional distress and questioning of life's purpose, etc..

The music of this Icelandic prodigy Olafur Arnolds has really helped me to reach a small bit of peace. He composes gorgeous, neo-classical works that feature subtle use of electronics on some songs but strictly acoustic instruments on others. Ethereal, inspiring, powerful, and delicate are but a few of the adjectives one can use to describe his work. I own his original album "Eulogy for Evolution" as well as one of his newer works "Dyad 1909", but have yet to pick up his second full length "..and they escaped the weight of darkness". I simply have too much respect for this artist to download it I want to wait until I can buy it.

Here is a link to a series of 7 songs he released for free on the internet and where you can learn a bit more about him.

His latest album on Amazon.

Lymbyc Systym - "Shutter Release"

Gorgeous, electronically processed post rock. Reminds me a lot of the Octopus Project, a more well-known act that also mixes electronics with acoustic instruments. Lymbyc Systym is a duo of brothers from Arizona that whose songs alternate from upbeat to serene. The first couple tracks on this record are very uptempo, with layers of synths, bell-chimes, fuzzed guitar riffs, and driving, rousing drum patterns that keep the tempo moving. However the record is full of diverse sounds, including slide guitar, horns sections, and ambient electronic effects. Also reminds me a lot of Do Make Say Think with their expansive, orchestral sound. I really liked "Ghost Clock" and "Contemporary Art".


"Shutter Release" (2009)