motel void

Following their self-titled debut from 2021, the Norwegian project Sturle Dagsland – formed by brothers Sturle and Sjur – returns with Dreams and Conjurations, a record that weaves together a vivid spectrum of sounds, merging Norwegian folk, electronica, experimental pop, and touches of metal.

The album opens with Conjuring Dreams, a track that immediately grabs your attention with its frantic tempo, brilliant production, and an almost manic atmosphere that reminded me of my favorite artist tune-yards, who also experiments with diverse vocal techniques.

The second song of the ten-track album shifts into a slightly different atmosphere — the vocals here are haunting and ritualistic, as if pulling the listener deep into a forest ceremony. It slightly recalls the Czech duo Dva, known for their album Nipomo. While Dva tend to evoke warm, whimsical moods, Sturle Dagsland transport you somewhere far more primal — back in time or deep into raw natural worlds.

Whispering Forest, Echoing Mountains opens with a Björk-like vocal and builds into a ritualistic crescendo before calming down after a minute, leaving only subtle instrumentation and fragile singing that intensify the atmosphere even more. The same dynamic contrast continues in Hugging Horses, which shifts from a danceable, almost aggressive rhythm into its most delicate, tender moments. It’s a demanding listen, but all the more rewarding for it — an intense, immersive experience.

The fifth track, Galdring, also served as the album’s first single. It carries that same tribal, haunting spirit, drawing inspiration from both ancient Norse rituals and shamanistic traditions. Although it’s less melodic than some other songs, it perfectly captures the essence of the project — mystical, visceral, and deeply rooted in ancestral energy.

In the second half of the record, Windharp stands out as a more ambient and darker piece. The precision of the vocals shines even more here, contributing to a truly ritualistic atmosphere enhanced by layered harmonies and echoes — reminiscent of my favorite tracks by Fever Ray.

The penultimate song, The Ritual, was inspired by a raw shamanistic ceremony Sturle once took part in. It’s clear this isn’t some superficial play-acting of shamanism — the music feels deeply authentic and spiritually grounded. While listening, I was reminded of the recent film Sirat: though it centers around rave culture, it evokes a similar sense of isolation from the world and total immersion in rhythm and sound.

The album closes with Kwaidan, which launches into a furious, aggressive tempo from the very first second, yet pairs it with an irresistibly catchy melody. Despite lasting less than two minutes, it’s the highlight of the entire record – a blast of metal- and industrial-tinged energy that works brilliantly.

With their wild and unique performance style, Sturle and Sjur have toured extensively, playing festivals across the globe – from Shanghai to New York, Greenland, and even to the Source of the Nile in Africa. And it’s no surprise: while their music works powerfully on record, it must take on an even deeper, more intense dimension when performed live.

This album was discovered via SubmitHub

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