Review Summary: Anna lets her Drone-self grow full scale
After the highly acclaimed “Dead Magic” in 2018 and the consequent tour (even collaborated in Swans’ leaving meaning, in 2019), Anna von Hausswolff has established herself as one of most talented and innovative young musicians today, with her brilliance to beautifully switch between experimental rock to neoclassical ambient and her powerful vocals capable of high pitched notes, that seem to mature recently.
Now, drone has always been present in her album, maybe except for her debut. As the organ gains more space each album, “All Thoughts Fly” is a culmination of the instrumental drone organ sounds found in her two Källan EP’s, “Prototype” in 2014 and “Betatype” in 2016. Although it is a pity that Anna does not use her majestic voice, her keyboards skills never let down. Almost like a film soundtrack, the ambient and drone sounds dominate and make us fall into its immensity. Track after track, various feelings and moods are awaken in a sonorous way. The very successful orchestration full advantage of the organ and elevates its surreal qualities.
As the album starts, it seems that Anna is slowly falling asleep and gradually descends deeper into the rabbit hole. Her instrumental work is dominated by a melancholic atmosphere, that very slow chords create a pulse or a landscape. There are some experimental interventions here and there, but the focus is the different organ layers that slowly spread, some fast-melodic lines and the constant drone that never stops. The surreal qualities are always present as Anna uses the organ to travel in an infinite landscape. The record closes with an elegy, which slowly sadness seeps into the minimalist chord sequence.
All in all, "All Thoughts Fly" is exactly as the title indicates, music to be listened with an open mind and just enter its immersive atmosphere. To date, it is her best instrumental drone output. Although there are no vocals here, Anna’s amazing organ skills shine and create different landscapes. A completely different LP in her discography, but no way it’s disappointing. In fact, it’s a natural conclusion as her organ work grows each album.
