Jóhann Jóhannsson

Copenhagen Dreams NYOV*****

Copenhagen Dreams, Jóhann Jóhannsson's new score to Max Kestner's "city symphony", continues the superb Icelandic composer's increasingly idiosyncratic career as an arthouse film scorer – first with Mark Craste's animation Varmints and more recently with Bill Morrison's archival documentary, The Miners' Hymns. It is also one of his most expressive albums, featuring short compositions with simple melodies, warm acoustic instrumentation, thereal vocals and light, almost delicate, electronica. And yet Copenhagen Dreams remains signature Jóhannsson, recalling motifs from earlier releases Fordlandia, IBM 1401, and Englaborn, striking a dynamic balance between exquisite drama and tender lyricism. johannjohannsson.com

Download tracks:They Imagine the City Growing out Into the Ocean, A Memorial Garden on Enghavevej, Here They Used To Build Ships