I recently discovered this wonderful project by Kristian Enkerud Lien, guitar player and composer from Oslo. He gathered this quartet (percussion, synths, trombone, guitar) to perform an eclectic repertoire blending just intonation, microtonality, rock club vibes, and Norwegian folk music in an innovative way. It feels warm and captivating, slightly melancholic but also sometimes alienating because of the exotic sounding harmonies. Their inspiration comes from musical ideas and works of Ben Johnston, Harry Partch and Eivind Groven.

“Svartsymra is a construct, it can be something that grows and withers at the same time. This concept is reflected on the cover art, depicting a stone or a lung, a classical order, and a comedy amidst a tangle of lichens. It is also a nod to Groven’s recordings on “Som symra rein og blå” and death.” (Enkerud Lien)

Emil Bø – trombone
Anna Ueland – retuned synth, MS20, voice
Bjørn André Syverinsen – drums
Kristian Enkerud Lien – refretted guitar, fretless guitar, lap steel