Afterglow
Ásgeir Trausti · 2017
43 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music
Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a serene soundscape that captures the essence of modern folk music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Afterglow — The title track stands out for its hauntingly beautiful melody and contemplative lyrics that set the emotional tone for the entire album.
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Unbound — This track features an uplifting chorus and showcases Ásgeir's ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary sounds, making it a fan favorite.
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Stardust — With its ethereal instrumentation and poignant lyrics, this song highlights Ásgeir's lyrical depth and melodic sensibility, capturing listeners' imaginations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional folk with modern elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and cohesive songwriting.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more dynamic shift with layered instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature vocal harmonies that build gradually, often culminating in rich, ethereal choruses.
- The album closes with a track that features a minimalist arrangement, allowing the vocals to take center stage and create a reflective atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic journey throughout
- introspective reflections on life
- for evening relaxation
- ethereal soundscapes for dreaming
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party energy
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Afterglow is Ásgeir Trausti's sophomore album, following his acclaimed debut, Dýrð í dauðaþögn, which catapulted him to international recognition. Released in 2017, this album showcases his evolving artistry and deeper lyrical explorations as he solidifies his place within the contemporary folk scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· José González
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Here Comes the Wave in
A pivotal moment occurs when the narrative shifts from personal reflection to a broader contemplation of nature's power and transience.
This transition enhances the thematic depth by contrasting individual experiences against the vastness of the natural world.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Afterglow 4:50
- 2 Unbound 4:07
- 3 Stardust 3:43
- 4 Here Comes the Wave in 3:20
- 5 Underneath It 4:03
- 6 Nothing 1:55
- 7 I Know You Know 3:54
- 8 Dreaming 4:42
- 9 New Day 3:47
- 10 Fennir Yfir 5:07
- 11 Hold 4:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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