Eydís Evensen : Frost Review

Eydís Evensen is a classical and new-age pianist who finds inspiration from Iceland’s stunning nature and climate. Her mesmerizing debut album Bylur was a calming contemporary classical diary of her life to date – “So many ups and downs. All of my joy, darkness, happiness, heartbreak, and melancholia,” is how she described it – a more literal journey inspires new EP Frost; through one of her homeland’s winters. “It’s such a hard thing to go through, this darkness,” she explains, “but the rising of the sun earlier and earlier as spring nears is hugely important for Icelanders.”

Opening the EP is “Numb,” which has sonic figures that conjure the fragility of space at the onset of winter. Soft, crystalline piano lines gently deepen into something darker, a little more melancholic – reflective of one’s state of mind when faced with the long winter months ahead. Evensen’s use of dynamics and subtle synths adds to the song’s character, giving the ending a more dramatic edge through expressive synth and piano textures.

“The Light I” is a sparse, minimalistic composition that depicts the coming of spring and the return of life to the land. With brighter harmony and an uplifting and assured pulse, the notes shimmer like sunlight spreading across a frosted landscape, and quiet pauses add to the beautiful texture too.

Frost is four songs that feature Evensen expressing her heartfelt emotions with sonic textures that combine beauty and elegance. The songs flow from introspective and somber to optimistic. Evensen’s piano playing is fluid and sensual and unfolds with universal themes. Frost is another musical journey in the ever-growing catalog of Eydís Evensen.

Eydís Evensen: Website