A document of serene catharsis....
14 · 07 · 2025
Ólafur Arnalds felt compelled to fulfill a promise. Who wouldn’t? The Icelandic composer met Irish artist Talos, whose real name is Eoin French, in 2023 during a residency at the Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival in Cork. They instantly clicked and maintained their connection, fostering a friendship rooted in their shared creative instincts. Collaborations took place between Arnalds' studio in Reykjavík and French's residence in West Cork, until Talos fell seriously ill.
Following his tragic passing, Ólafur Arnalds chose to finish ‘A Dawning’ as a tribute to his friend. The outcome, filled with profound emotion, is a beautiful effort at communication that embodies elements of audio artistry.
Fans of Ólafur Arnalds’ previous work will notice familiar elements, but ‘A Dawning’ stands out with a unique identity, enriched by Talos’ creative input. The title resembles a vaporous Celtic hymn, with the production enveloping the song in layers of frost. The opening track, ‘Shared Time’, unfolds like a memory, with Eoin's voice providing a steady anchor amidst the flowing sound. ‘Signs’ presents a more complete structure, where the understated longing of the vocals contrasts with the personal touch of Arnalds’ style.
—
A project that thrives on nuance, ‘Bedrock’ features Sandrayati’s talents to create a delicate, cathartic experience. ‘west cork, 12 feb’ beautifully captures a specific moment and location, with sound waves gently spilling from your headphones.
When utilizing external voices in the brief 30-minute project, it is executed with profound empathy. ‘Borrowed Time’ resonates with Alexi Murdoch’s contribution, while Niamh Regan and Ye Vagabonds—both close friends of Talos—strengthen the album's conclusion, ‘We Didn’t Know We Were Ready’.
Amidst profound sorrow, ‘A Dawning’ represents a document of gentle catharsis, serving as a fitting homage to a partnership ended so abruptly. Ólafur Arnalds and Talos shine in a glorious song cycle of slow-moving beauty.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
—
Join us on WeAre8, as we delve into global cultural events. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we joyfully navigate through clubs, concerts, interviews, and photo shoots. Enjoy backstage glimpses and insights into our world while the excitement unfolds.
Sign up for the Clash mailing list for the latest in music, fashion, and film news.
South London rapper Strandz has released his latest single 'Mile High Club,’ featuring 111SYRI. This self-produced track captures the intense energy of a
Japanese producer Mayurashka has been gaining recognition over the past few years with a series of significant releases. Embracing house vibes, the
Amidst a festival scene teeming with competitors, Kappa FuturFestival has undeniably established itself as one of the premier events globally. Taking place
During the summer, new releases tend to decrease a bit, but June ensured there was a substantial selection beforehand. Continue reading for a rich variety of
This isn't merely another performance: it's an 11-hour celebration, and everyone is in attendance.
This year's British Grand Prix represented an important milestone in the motorsport realm. Commemorating 75 years of Formula 1, Silverstone organized an
Ólafur Arnalds believed he needed to fulfill a promise. Wouldn't you agree? The Icelandic composer encountered the Irish artist Talos – whose real name is Eoin French – some time ago.