(December 2009) Fredrik Ohr is a Stockholm based musician/song writer who borders on the alternative, having spent time exploring Tibetan Buddhism, philosophy and language, as well as classical piano. Given such a channeled background, it’s hardly surprising that his debut release Falling Through the Earth, shows a strong leaning towards the calming chants and relaxing wind instruments perhaps associated with such disciplines.
There are fourteen inspirational, joyous and peaceful tracks on offer. Its down tempo electronic excursions into the ambient sets about morphing ancient ethnic vibes into a prosperous offering of heart-warming imagery. Fueled by joyous and calming culture this album is free from inhabitations. An enchanting combination of a soft and gentle tapestry, woven as intricately as spiritual practice itself, from start to finish, driven purely by its own strength and focus. The end of each track makes a significant connection with the beginning of the next, assisting with its overall path of dream like trance, made up of delicate chimes and shimmering textures, while some gently engaging voice over’s feature occasionally.
The titles of course conjure their own images, all of which are in keeping with the general theme this work portrays. “A Day for Great Deeds” has a vibrant sounding ripple with some well-defined, yet ever so subtle chords. “Eating Fog” is peaceful and angelic, flute-like tones add to its soft surface, briefly featuring some jazz styled progressions. More mirage like layers are later introduced in a gentle way, adding yet more fluid texture to the track.
Occasional stylistic piano gives clarification to tracks such as “Enough Time,” but slightly diverse is “Message,” giving a nod to dub with its clever beats edging out into a more adventurous surrounding, while revealing a hint of the foreign exotic. With such a busied climb to the summit, the calling of the chants become almost distant, before the track calms upon completion to look towards a view that is prosperous.
“Morning Ritualism” is a bright and hopeful insight as one might expect—its effected vocal textures illuminate the track adding yet more movement within its own clearly outlined soundscape. The timbres from soft wind instruments inspire psychedelic hippy moods. “Fell from the Sky” winds into the distance with faint beats and chimes. “Interlocked” builds in its own progressive and elegant way—each sound has its prominent contribution becoming quite intense and triggering imaginative scenes of affection. “Delgemaa” enters with its spiky electronic landscape and mysterious female voiceover for a short excursion, while more dainty piano work assists to extract the soul of Falling Through the Earth.
Fredrik Ohr’s ornate compositions are innovative and fresh—subtle, slightly tribal and evenly paced throughout means this album sits well as a continuous play think piece. Superb electronic waveforms are enhanced by shimmering textures that swell, making all the tracks vibrant while tuneful chimes add to the increasing glow. This album will leave a sacred trail whenever it’s played.
Falling Through the Earth is out now on Aleph Zero. [Listen & Purchase]
