Van Sur Les – “Tapio” (feat. Emmi Kuittinen)

“Tapio” is a standout track from Amsterdam-based artist Van Sur Les, representing the lead track for the act’s larger Ingrian Tape project. Featuring Finnish folk singer Emmi Kuittinen, the release deftly bridges nearly extinct Ingrian runo-song traditions with modern electronic groove. The meticulously crafted production transforms cultural preservation into a vibrant, expressive exploration of identity and memory.

An elegant, wintry atmospheric pull emanates right away. Glistening piano and rustling effects intertwine alongside spacey electronic tones, enhanced further as a warming bass incorporation enters. Kuittinen’s enthrallingly hypnotic vocals then move in cohesively, their multiple layers touting both a solemn repetition and primary soulfulness. Illuminated synths and tropical-like percussive tones emerge just prior to the track’s midpoint, the vocals fading there momentarily as a truly blissful soundscape becomes apparent.

Kuittinen’s magnetic vocals then infuse seamlessly within this vibrant assortment of synths, rhythms, and keys — textured with lushly intoxicating qualities. The track’s ability to fuse modern electronic elements with authentic Ingrian runo-song aspects makes for a wholly resonating listening experience, capped off by gorgeous string undercurrents that exude a delectably ghostly character. Captivating in both its excellent vocal layers and soundscape-rich instrumentation, “Tapio” is a mesmerizing success with ample soul and atmosphere — artfully bridging tradition with modern charm.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup.