“The wonderful Mirra exists in its own space.” Back in August, that was the conclusion of my review of Benedicte Maurseth’s then-new album. Living with this “stunningly intense,” “haunting, intense evocation of Norway’s uplands and its wildlife” hasn’t changed this impression. Moreover, over the ensuing months, the impact of this exceptional collection of eight interrelated compositions has increased.
Benedicte Maurseth is Norwegian. Her main instrument is the Hardanger fiddle – with its second set of sympathetic, drone-generating, strings. This, together with Mirra’s concern with the annual cycle of the reindeer-populated highlands of central Norway and the area’s (unfortunately) changing ecosystem, suggests this might be a folk album. However, while recognisably traditional elements are in there, the fiddle co-exists with field recordings, electronics, the input of jazz musicians and much more. Unified, powerful and unlike anything else, it is a form of environmentally concerned aural reportage which is impossible to categorise. Mirra is a highlight of 2025.
Brìghde Chaimbeul’s Sunwise similarly uses traditional music as its springing-off point, and is also concerned with a cycle: that of winter – albeit from borderline-supernatural perspectives. Also intense, it sets the Scottish small pipes in a framing drawing from minimalism – with a hearty dash of the drone. Sunwise and Mirra share the joy of recontextualisation, taking dives into previously unknown musical territory.
Just as intense, but in a familiar song-based form, is Nakties Atvirukai (which translates as Night Postcards) the sixth studio album by Lithuania’s Alina Orlova. A crepuscular marvel, it – to the non-Lithuanian speaker, and despite its brief brush with English – seems to be an exploration of the shattering of the barriers constraining the subconscious, and the resultant impact on perceptions of self.
Somewhat less intimidating – and edging towards the more conventional – Midlake's A Bridge to Far (sic) emphasised that the venerable Denton, Texas band is an ever-creative force: one now infusing its jazz-oriented psychedelia with a newly acquired folk edge. Fantastic.
All of which corroborates the view that music is endlessly malleable, endlessly thrilling, endlessly surprising; a means of expression adapting itself to numerous, yet singular, visions. Perspectives vary and tastes differ, but marvels keep on coming. Hats off to those creating such delights.
Three More Essential Albums of 2025
Brìghde Chaimbeul’s Sunwise
Alina Orlova Nakties Atvirukai
Midlake A Bridge to Far
Musical Experiences of the Year
Dungen, Northern Winter Beat, Aalborg, 8 February
The Estonian Song and Dance Celebration, 3–6 July
Todd Rundgren, The London Palladium, 29 October
Riga Music Week, 5–6 November
Track of the Year
Trīsas “Stulbā Laime”
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