Nils Frahm and Hans Zimmer are two of my all-time favourite composers. They’re also huge influences for Swedish pianist Carl Liungman, so I was instantly intrigued when his latest album ‘Change’ came across my proverbial desk. As I lay back in my chair and let the record wash over me, the music unfolded like a gentle and transformative wave, stirring something deeply profound within me.
Featuring nine original piano pieces that depict everything from loss to new beginnings, ‘Change’ was surprisingly recorded live at Malmo Art Museum in May of this year. Produced by Carl Granberg, it’s an album that captures the unfiltered essence of Liungman’s artistry, exuding a haunting beauty that is impossible to ignore.
Songs like ‘Mother’ and ‘After’ bring a delicate and soothing sound to the fore, while tracks like ‘Final Days’ and ‘Survivor’ offer a more intense and dramatic listening experience, showcasing the artist’s marvellous range and adaptability.
The record closes with the title song, a six-minute and twenty-second epic that, frankly, left me in a state of awe. A blend of fragile nuances with powerful climaxes, it’s a tune that perfectly encapsulates the emotional journey of the album. A true masterpiece, ‘Change’ is a simply stunning piece of art.
Serious album alert! Enjoy ‘Change’ on Spotify now:
