Silent Fires - Forests

Norwegian/Italian quartet explore yearning and spirituality on their debut album.

In today's world there's much that makes one despair – climate change, the rise of racism, and the depressing state of politics in Britain and America in particular. For all that it is possible to hold onto some long-term optimism. One thing that gives me hope for the future is young creative people, their global outlook, desire for change, and their wealth of talent and ability to empathise.

Forests is manifestation of all of this. It's the debut album by Silent Fires, a quartet of talented musicians from the European improvised music scene. The album is a deep exploration of spirituality, quietly passionate and ripe with complicated emotions. Subtle piano chords, a hint of ancient folk melodies and pure-voiced vocals conjure up a soundscape that encourage the listener to delve into empathy and introspection.

The words of Maya Angelou, René Guénon, William Butler Yeats, and band leader Alessandro Sgobbio are set to music, as are extracts from the Bible and the Coptic Gospel of the Egyptians. These are given voice by vocalist Karoline Wallace. Her bell-like tones lending the words a heavenly reverence, sometimes singing, sometimes spoken and occasionally whispered. While the music has for the most part a calm, glacial stillness, it sometimes swells into small storms, spurred by subtle notes and pushes from all three musicians.

For their live appearances Silent Fires are joined by contemporary dancer Synne Garvik. The band held some release shows for Forests in Norway and France around the album's release, late last year. There are dates to follow later this month on Norway, Germany, Portugal, and Italy. More details below.

Silent Fires are -

Karoline Wallace – vocals

Hilde Marie Holsen – trumpet, effects

Håkon Aase – violin, percussion

Alessandro Sgobbio - piano

Forests Release Shows

12^th February – Nasjonal Jazzscene, Oslo, Norway

20^th February – B-Flat Jazz Club, Berlin, Germany

22^nd February – Pora-Jazz, Porto, Portugal

23^rd February - Casa Da Paes, Milan, Italy

1^st March – Langhus, Kirke, Langhus, Norway

Click here for Silent Fires' website.

Click here for Silent Fires on Twitter.

Click here for Silent Fires on Facebook.

Click here for Silent Fires on Instagram.

Click here for AMP Music & Records.