The RMR review desk did not expect that. We got to know Tvinna through their two clips Kreiz and The Gore. Then – somehow – communications broke down and we missed record number one. And since that time, nada.
So, while wondering what gives with this band, By Norse suddenly latched onto our feed with Two – Wings of Ember, their sophomore record. And once we hit play, no ethereal Dark Folk with an earthy and primordial touch appeared. Instead, much to our surprise, a funky mélange of rock-infested styles, tastes, and flavors roared out of the music machine. Did the merry dance with earthy daemons in watery realms and faeries in the magical forest move into Urbania? Rocky concrete around the campfire in the park. Or something.
But first things first. Some pretty heavy lineup changes happened since we last looked at Tvinna. Fiona Rüggeberg1 (ex-Faun) and Fieke van den Hurk left the band. Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie) already went out the door in 2019. And all return on Wings of Ember in a variety of roles. Interestingly, Stephan Groth (Faun) also played the Hurdy-Gurdy and added some vocals. This leaves Laura Fella (Faun, vocals) and Rafael Fella2 (Eluveitie, guitars), Alain Ackermann (Eluveitie, drums), and Sascha van der Meer (backing vocals). Some sort of skeleton crew with a large following. And by the looks of it, there’s some serious symbiosis between Faun and Eluveitie in the bosom of Tvinna, to say the least.3
Wings of Ember dedicates its theme to childhood, youth – and the element of fire. An interesting choice of a theme – and an even more interesting style direction. The eerie folk thing is pretty much out the door, and in comes Folk Fusion. Some sort of ideology that often wildly reaches into all sorts of rocky undercurrents. There was already some of that on One – In The Dark. But this new record takes it to the next level. The band artfully joined some sort of subdued but well-executed Folk Rock with neat archaic passages. In other words, Tvinna won’t deny its mystical origins, far from it. And why would they? It is part of the musical DNA of many of its members. Yet Wings of Ember also bets heavily on rocky and synth-infused elements, even with a metallic tinge here and there.
And that leads to a mix that – contrite RMR admits – left us stumped at times. But more often than not, the band matched both styles beautifully. Even if some strange objects suddenly appear, such as Dawn of Mine that often sounds like an offshoot of Taylor Swift’s pop errands. Not their strongest performance on Two – Wings of Ember.
Louga (flame), the track featuring Fabienne Erni on guest vocals, first also moves straight down archaic main road, complete with the use of a Bukkehorn. Yet, the song soon seriously disintegrates into Folk Rock as the track progresses – and turns out to be a tad too repetitive for our taste. Arma will get you a hint of Desert Rock and some neat and folksy groove amid some multilayered chanting. Yet another track that lives and dies by its strong progression and its metallic flourish as the song hurtles towards its end. The proggy vibes on parts of Wings of Ember – the title track – were yet another surprise. Somnia – yet again – grinds away in some sort of sensual groove – at first. But then, it unsurprisingly morphs into one of those dime-a-dozen rock songs.
Some called Tvinna‘s style Progressive Dark Folk, others Alt Rock or Post Rock. And all of that might hold a grain of truth. Yet, the band says that they were “…stylistically more open, more experimental and thoroughly free…” on Wings of Ember. Meaning, the new lineup put an end to restrictions that – supposedly – were inflicted on them. So, I guess, it ain’t all that easy to put a tent around that particular circus. And such freedom can come with a price. I have listened to many a side project of established members of equally established bands. And the outcome always astonished me. Because – often – the result is far away from their daytime activities and the urges of their usual masters.4
Two – Wings of Ember is no exception, and I don’t think the freedom thing is quite over yet with this new incarnation of Tvinna. As of now, the archaic folk parts fuse well with the rockier passages. And that’s a skill, not many bands truly master. The record truly is an astute piece, full of superbly produced songs that bear testament to outstanding musicianship, very good songwriting skill, and unbridled artistic savoir-faire.
And yet. The somewhat repetitive song structures of (some) folk first and then hitch a hike on progression’s speed train wore on us after a while. And in a way, the juicy Two Staves may be the best indicator of where this band’s headed in the future. A track that’s stark in its darkly glowing splendor, and full of heavy rocky power with only a sprinkle of folk attached. The RMR crew indeed didn’t quite expect a find so out-of-the-box. A piece that’s as controversial as it is good.
Record Rating: 6/10 | Label: By Norse | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 23 February 2024