It took me less than a minute to get lost in Freya Arde’s cathartic, transformative compositions. ‘A Few Seconds’ made the difference – literally and figuratively. Part of the German creative’s latest album ‘E C H O’, the track perfectly blends electronic textures and classical frills, making for a piece that’s lush, eclectic and dreamy, yet boasting a strong elegant component. For the traditional-lenient listeners, Arde still provides a wealth of cinematic, string-powered episodes, such as the opener ‘Echo’.
In it, I catch a fleeting glimpse of Freya’s extraordinary musical prowess, with a crescendo of strings taking me under her wings, gently putting me to rest together with mellow, gentle piano arpeggios. It’s a triumph: the culmination of years of hard work and notable milestones. A central figure in the soundtrack world, Arde has been penning sonic counterpoints for the likes of ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ movie and the remake of the famous children’s book ‘The Flying Classroom’.
‘E C H O’ takes a slightly different direction than any of Freya’s previous work, having been composed as a stand-alone, aural experience, rather than a visual one. We have no complaints: Arde’s meaningful soundscapes are angelic, ridden with vibrant nostalgia and evocative energy. Speaking about the album, she explains: “It contains nine instrumental compositions with electric guitar, moving string arrangements and a light drift of humming vocals. The independently produced album is all about the connection to oneself and to others regardless of time and place.”
Recommended! Discover ‘E C H O’ on Spotify:
