The most recent addition of The Quiet North by Fredrik Kristiansen is the masterpiece of Nordic self-reflection and worldly musical sensationalism, Borrowed Light.
The production of the track is also worth mentioning as the Norwegian base of Kristiansen is mixed with input of session musicians in Ukraine, Spain and South Africa. This cross-border alliance produces an exceptionally broad sound that is both personal and global – a fine line that resonates with the artistic outlook of The Quiet North.
The book Borrowed Light is extraordinarily sensitive to seasonal changes, seasonal changes in Scandinavia, seasonal changes in Nordic summer. The melody and atmosphere of Kristiansen make a person almost feel that time is slipping off, which is exactly what those moments are when everything seems to be temporary but of invaluable value. The finger-picked guitars, which signified his new reentry into the more acoustic regions, mix together harmoniously with the ambient sounds that reminded his previous synth-based work.
The thing that makes this track especially strong is its emotional sincerity. Kristiansen does not evade the sorrow of the transience, rather he uses it to advantage and make his music that is not dismissive of the loss, but one that glorifies the beauty in impermanence. The quality of production is in line with his practice in digital design – all the elements are intentional, and create the overall sonic architecture that supplements, but does not distract, the emotional gist of the song.
The visual aspects characterizing The work of The Quiet North are arguably the most pronounced in this case as the song titled Borrowed Light can be viewed as soundtrack of a memory being compiled on the spot. It is highly introspective music which is worth listening to over and over again and on every repeat listen it exposes more and more depth in the texture and meaning. It is Nordic folk of the most sophisticated and touching kind.