Bury the Moon cover

Bury the Moon

Ásgeir Trausti · 2020

42 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music

Lush acoustic arrangements intertwine with ethereal vocals, creating a dreamy soundscape that evokes Iceland's natural beauty.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Youth — This track showcases Ásgeir's signature blend of folk and pop elements, capturing the essence of nostalgia while maintaining an uplifting melody. Its relatable themes of growth resonate strongly throughout the album.
  • →
    Breathe — With its delicate instrumentation and introspective lyrics, this song exemplifies the emotional core of Bury the Moon, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences. Its soaring chorus elevates the overall mood of the record.
  • →
    Turn Gold to Sand — This track stands out due to its intricate layering of harmonies and poignant storytelling, illustrating Ásgeir's skill in painting vivid imagery through sound. It encapsulates themes of loss and acceptance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's lush arrangements and ethereal vocals create a distinctive yet cohesive sound, reflecting its folk roots.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush acoustic arrangements with layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that evolves throughout the tracks.
  • Vocals are often harmonized and interwoven with the instrumentation, giving a sense of ethereality and depth to the overall sound.
  • Several tracks utilize dynamic shifts in intensity, moving from soft, introspective moments to more expansive, climactic sections.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 reflective journey throughout
  • haunting melodies for introspection
  • calm evenings with soft lighting
  • thoughtful moments of quiet reflection
  • gentle soundscapes for peaceful nights

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification music

Where this album fits

Career context
Bury the Moon is Ásgeir Trausti's sophomore album, following his critically acclaimed debut, In the Silence, released in 2012. By 2020, he had established himself as a leading figure in contemporary folk music, blending traditional sounds with modern sensibilities. This release further solidified his reputation and showcased his evolving artistry.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· José González

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Until Daybreak

    A shift occurs in the narrative perspective, moving from reflective to directly addressing a loved one in a moment of vulnerability.

    This structural choice deepens the emotional connection by breaking away from general introspection and personalizing the experience.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pictures 3:58
  • 2 Youth 3:30
  • 3 Breathe 3:15
  • 4 Eventide 3:47
  • 5 Lazy Giants 3:41
  • 6 Overlay 2:53
  • 7 Rattled Snow 3:38
  • 8 Turn Gold to Sand 4:07
  • 9 Living Water 4:33
  • 10 Until Daybreak 4:23
  • 11 Bury the Moon 4:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata