ALBUM REVIEW: Trøst – Danefae

What initially started as a solo project in 2017 has since flourished into a strongly bonded union of talented musicians. Danish outfit DANEFAE have achieved considerable success in their home country off the back of 2022’s debut full length Tro and with the follow-up Trøst hot off the press it won’t be long before their reach begins to expand.

Fuglekongen commences with a soothing, composed pacing accompanied by beautifully crafted piano sequences. Whilst the vocal work of Anne Olesen is in her native Danish tongue this doesn’t stop her being any less captivating, providing an ethereal, uplifting sensation to proceedings. Vætter also possesses a chipper, punchy demeanour. Crunchy riffs and intricate drum rhythms create an intriguing soundscape. Natsværmer displays a theatrical, evocative charm, initially opting for prominent bass lines and delicate piano work before bursting into life with surges of riffing and addictive vocal delivery.

Vandskabt brings forth a heavier proposition. Groove-filled guitar lines grab your attention. Colourful experimentation soon follows, adding an unpredictable, exciting quality to the mix. The juxtaposition of light and dark elements is particularly enthralling. The bold, sprawling 12-minute opus P.S. Far er død utilises a mixture of emotions throughout its expansive chapters. Subtle harmonies, acoustic tones and smooth vocal work assist in developing a powerfully expressive aura. As the track progresses a more aggressive output begins to bloom with blast beats, harsh vocals and emphatic riff segments leaving an impactful impression.

Trøst offers a brief interlude to fully comprehend the journey thus far and fully digest the considerable undertaking involved in its predecessor. Blind picks up the pace and technicality with a mixture of snappy drum beats and hefty riffing. Vibrant piano layers work their magic in the background. Sang om Håb continues to employ infectious guitar work that ebbs and flows effectively intertwined with the sublime soaring vocals.

DANEFAE present an incredibly exciting prospect, transcending a variety of genres on their voyage as they effortlessly encapsulate your gaze. Trøst rarely stays in the same space for very long, continuously expanding its horizons to conjure up a wealth of endearing, exhilarating musicianship. What is equally impressive is that you don’t need to be well-versed in the Danish language to comprehend the gravity of their compositions, which is a skill in itself.

Rating: 9/10

Trøst is available now via self-release

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