Mytevegar (myth.path.hope) by Karl Seglem

Oral tradition is a highly advanced and ancient method of relaying information that predates written language, providing humanity with its earliest sets of stories. The link between oral tradition and music is widely agreed upon, although it is hotly debated which came first. Music provided a mnemonic method by which we could better remember our legends and pass them down; long before we had formalized theory and DAWs and even instruments, we had stories.

With strong influences from Norwegian folk music, Mytevegar by Karl Seglem is a collection of progressive folk jazz that evokes these early customs through traditional instrumentation and spoken word. Seglem along with a band of 20 or so musicians deliver cinematic and articulated folktronica, at times lumbering along with repeating rhythmic themes, and other times adopting a shouting, erratic energy. No matter what expression is explored, the project remains dissonant and piquing.

Mytevegar also prominently features the goat horn, a Scandinavian folk instrument that may be misconstrued as novel or limited. Seglem, who is clearly a virtuoso of the instrument, blows (haha) these misconceptions out of the water as the horn is not only impressively played, but the project would be lacking without it. Its earthen texture and measured breathing balances out driving guitars and twinkling ornamentation. The horn and saxophone are steady constants amid a project with widely ranging expression. Mytevegar harkens back to the ancient while demonstrating a modern sense of musical exploration, a soothing yet evocative project that encourages analysis and reflection.

- Carrie