October 12, 2023, witnessed the unveiling of a new aural journey by Faroese singer-songwriter Dania O. Tausen, as she released her second album ja/nei og restin av vikuni via Tutl Records.
This double album, richly embedded in Tausen’s native Faroese language, navigates through the ordinary, seamlessly shifting to larger themes, all while maintaining an exploration of dualities: yes and no, dark and light, acknowledgment and denial.
The concept of the album digs deep into the mundane aspects of life, like shopping and working, and then dovetails them into more significant subjects like reality, nature, and decision-making. Divided into two thematic halves – the “yes” side and the “no” side – the album also acknowledges that between black and white, there are numerous shades of grey, symbolized by “the rest of the week.”
The A-side (or the yes-side) purports to represent a consciousness that discerns the mind’s sly games, seeking positivity and good behavior amidst chaos. It acknowledges the importance of savoring little joys and the serene moments of life, embodying decisiveness, and mindfully leaving behind all that is unnecessary.
Conversely, the B-side (the no-side) is an introspective look into the darker aspects of thought, admitting to impatience, exhaustion, obsession, and uncertainty. It bravely brings personal, darker thoughts into the open, treating them not as unmentionable secrets but as valuable lessons and gateways to new beginnings. It suggests that allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, to admit our mistakes and our mimicry, is a path to freedom.
The two halves of the album are not merely dichotomies but also an exploration of the in-between, the varied emotional and psychological states that occupy the continuum between absolute yes and no. Tausen manages to craft a musical narrative that not only entertains but also sparks introspective thought.
Tausen, whose debut album gonguteigatúnatos (crosswalktalks) was acknowledged for its experimental, light, and intellectually engaging music, continues her collaborative journey with multi-instrumentalist and producer Benjamin Djurhuus on this project. Additionally, they have invited Ragnar Finsson, a notable songwriter and musician known for his work with Horrse and Raske Drenge, to further enrich the musical endeavor.
In ja/nei og restin av vikuni, Dania O. Tausen brings forth not just a musical feast seasoned with her soft and intimate vocals, but also a philosophical pondering set to melody and harmony, gifting listeners with a space to explore their own yeses and nos, their own weeks filled with varied shades of experiences and emotions.
Now available in digital, CD, and vinyl formats, Tausen invites her audience to partake in a philosophical and musical journey, exploring through her harmonious melodies, the duality and complexity inherent in our everyday lives.
Listen to ja/nei og restin av vikuni below!
#Peace.Love.JaNei
