AMN Reviews: Gydja – Þjóð​á​ar Fn​æ​stu Eitri (2023; Winter-Light)

Gdyja is composer and designer Abby Helasdottir, and Þjóð​á​ar Fn​æ​stu Eitri is a follow-up to 2021’s Ár Var Alda. Drawn to representing myths involving the creation of the universe, this release is a compelling mix of modern dark ambient techniques. It takes the listener on a journey, though not necessarily the one that was intended. Upon first listening, I could not stop thinking of melting and crackling glaciers rather than Gdyja’s much vaster cosmic machinations. But leaving some aspects of interpretation in the ears of the listener is not a bad thing.

Most notably, this is active music. Through 11 tracks that run for over an hour, the sound palette remains largely static but different sounds are emphasized every few seconds. As a result, this is not traditional ambience that melts into the background with layers of drones. Instead, Gydja employs synths, bells, field recordings, and other sonic elements on a continually-changing basis. Percussion, crackling, watery passages, and yes some airy droning fill out the soundscapes.

There is a certain grandeur and elegance to this approach, whether evoking the folk legends of of past or our changing planet of today. The sounds are rich and full, dense with detail and dynamism. Thus, Þjóð​á​ar Fn​æ​stu Eitri warrants active and deep listening.