Solon Islandus

Gabríel Ólafs’ 2019 indie debut, Absent Minded, marked the young Icelander as a neoclassical talent to be reckoned with, its dreamy piano melodies nestled in stark, minimalist settings. Solon Islandus is Ólafs’ first major-label release, and it features an expansion of his sonic palette to include more instruments and a choir. Drawing on a novel by Davíð Stefánsson for inspiration, Ólafs explores the culture of Iceland in 14 short compositions, some in alternative versions. The title track, with its echoed vocal incantations, is one obvious highlight, while “The Farewell” poignantly conjures warmth and positivity from the whited-out horizon evoked in Ólafs’ transporting music.