Tomas Raae – Nordic Folk Reflections Across Three Tracks – Frequency State
Tomas Raae’s recent work blends Nordic folk traditions with ambient production, electronic textures, and evocative vocal performances. Across these three tracks—Jeg Glemmer Dig Aldrig, Kærlighedstræet, and Dagen Viker Og Gaar Bort—the arrangements feel rooted in stillness, nature, and a deep sense of place, while remaining contemporary in approach.
Opening with a gentle combination of synth pad and piano motif, Jeg Glemmer Dig Aldrig builds slowly into a delicate song with airy, emotive vocals from Norwegian singer Eline Hellerud Åsbakk. The early textures are restrained, but as the track moves forward, soft drums and layered choral parts begin to fill out the arrangement. The track balances elements of jazz, folk, and subtle pop influences, while maintaining a strong atmospheric identity.
Kærlighedstræet takes a downtempo route, with a rhythmic piano and gentle percussion guiding the song. The arrival of the lead vocal adds warmth, with a subtle melody that feels wistful and introspective. The composition is poetic and gently layered, evoking themes of memory and transformation. Its melodic structure and tone are clearly influenced by traditional Nordic folk forms, reinterpreted with modern clarity.
More ambient in character, Dagen Viker Og Gaar Bort is based on a centuries-old hymn, with lyrics by Dorothe Engelbretsdatter. The track begins with atmospheric synth textures and a sparse folk-inspired vocal line. There’s no rhythm section—this absence allows the piece to float, driven by tone and phrasing. The second half deepens the ambient textures, adding subtle sonic details that give the piece a quiet intensity.
Together, these tracks reflect Tomas Raae’s distinctive sound—a mix of acoustic instrumentation, live electronics, and atmospheric production. Each track builds a strong emotional environment without overstatement, showing a sensitivity to tradition while exploring modern forms.
