I hate it when I miss a debut album. I remember when the first Tvinna album was released back in 2021, but I didn’t hear it at the time. They are back now with their second album, this one called Wings of Ember, and I’m hooked. It released on February 23rd through By Norse Music.
Tvinna come to us from Germany, and you may recognize some of the members, as they come from bands Faun and Eluveitie. The lineup on this album includes Laura Fella on vocals, synth, shaman drum, programming, and beats; Rafael Fella on guitars, bass, and programming; Alain Ackermann on drums; and Sascha van der Meer on backing vocals. You will also hear Fabienne Erni on guest vocals, Maria Graf on the bukkehorn, Stephan Groth on the Hurdy-Gurdy, Fiona Rüggeberg on guest vocals and programming, and Fieke van den Hurk on synth.
The band plays progressive dark folk music. So, that means they have interesting song structures and complex playing right up against earthy tones and shadowy auras. One of the bands strongest selling points is their ability to balance these things with electronica-laced edges and synth melodies that are truly beautiful. The band obviously strives for a naturalistic bent, which they achieve through heavy percussion, breathy vocalizations, novel instruments, and the like. This is accentuated when they use electronica because of the satisfying contrasts that result.
This is an album that grows on you, for sure. With repeated listening, you’ll hear more layers, more ambience, and more harmony. The album has more and more strengths as I revisit it. At first, it was the dark guitar work and great vocals that sold me, but soon it was the backing vocals, synth leads, and burgeoning feelings of freedom, confidence, and daring. The more I hear it, the more it binds itself to me. Yet, even with all those trappings gone, the music would still be great for its excellent melodies and writing.
I really like this album, but I’ll admit that the second half is stronger than the first half. I like the interesting theatricality of the opener “Nénuphar”, and “Dawn of Mine” has an explosive second half that is really fulfilling. The next few tracks are catchy and mysterious in their own ways, with “Arma” being a standout for its great instrumental. The album really finds itself in the second half, though.
The title track starts the second half with pure fireworks. I don’t mean that it is technical or bombastic, but it has a rich flow that feels amorphous and ritualistic. I love the surging chorus, the dark ambient portion, and especially the searing instrumental with the Hurdy-Gurdy and synth that is absolutely gorgeous. It’ll easily be one of my favorite songs of the year.
But the album doesn’t let up there. “Somnia” is a slowburn that really delivers in the last few minutes. “Two Staves” was the first song that hooked me; I like how ominous it feels, and how much edge the vocal performance offers. “Fortress” is even better, though, with fantastic guitars packed right up against floaty vocals, and when it really gets going, it is stunning to hear. I like “The Fall” for its percussive tone and breathy utterances that bookend the song, and the closer “Der Weg” continues to grow on me for its calm and beautiful atmosphere; it doesn’t have a beat or drive to it at all, but instead trusts in vocals and serenity to sell the ending.
I’m so happy I took the plunge on this album, and I’m already visiting their debut to see what I’ve missed. Tvinna has a terrific balance in their sound that I think will attract listeners from various genres. They have a little bit of everything for everyone, and it is all done in style and authenticity. Give them a try.
______________
Find Tvinna online:
______________
______________
The PROG Mind 