Five tracks inspired by Finland’s coldest and darkest season, composer and creative force Simon Svoboda returns with the incredible new EP Kaamos. Svoboda captures the stark, haunting landscape of his home country, through delicate cello arrangements and his haunting falsetto vocals. The title track, “Kaamos,” embodies the eerie stillness of a sunless period, with arpeggiated cello chords and vocals that seem to hover in an otherworldly space.
Each piece on the EP offers a unique interpretation of winter, from the icy clarity of “Halla” (frost) to the delicate swirls of “Usva” (mist). Collaborations with talented musicians such as Varvara Vasylieva and William Häggblom enrich the compositions, adding depth and texture to Svoboda’s already intricate soundscapes.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Arvo Pärt and Yann Tiersen, Svoboda has crafted an EP that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Kaamos stands out for its ability to evoke complex emotions with minimalistic arrangements, making it a striking addition to the contemporary classical scene. Svoboda’s artistry shines brightly, even in the depths of Finland’s winter darkness.
“It describes the darkest period of the year in Finland, a time that is beautiful and eerie. The remaining tracks draw inspiration from other aspects of winter in Finland: ‘Halla’ (frost), ‘Savu’ (smoke), ‘Usva’ (mist), and ‘Valo’ (light). I was fortunate to collaborate with some incredible artists and close friends on this EP.” – Simon Svoboda
