Latvian guitarist Reinis Jaunais expands his instrumental folk sound on Vest, an album whose title translates to “to lead,” “to guide,” or “to take along.” Conceived as a continuation of his acclaimed previous album Nest, the release brings together guitar, Latvian traditional kokle, cello, double bass, drums, trumpet, and tongue drum, with Jaunais joined by a group of prominent Latvian musicians to create an eclectic meeting point between ethno-folk, jazz, and contemporary instrumental music.
Gorgeous album opener “Litorīna” unveils with flickering guitar twangs and a jazzy bass allure, bolstered by spine-tingling strings that ascend gradually in prominence. The interaction between bass and guitar is especially absorbing past the track’s midpoint, venturing into fervent strums and heartfelt strings as the rhythms intensify accordingly. The ensuing “Jūrvētra” continues the release’s exceptional start, here conveying a more melancholic guitar-laden atmosphere initially. Hints of strings enter as the trickling guitars and pattering percussion escalate, culminating in hectic pulses of beautifully unsettling instrumentation past the first minute; the shifts between dark atmospheric intrigue and vibrant frolicking make for a fantastic, dynamic listening experience.
Another standout track, “Līksme” feels like a counterpart to “Jūrvētra” in its tonal disposition. Rather than the latter’s nocturnal soundscape, “Līksme” exudes an approachable radiance in its burgeoning guitar trickles and soothing strings. The heightening pace develops into a stomp-friendly folk effervescence by the second half, stirring in its brightly magnetic qualities. Elsewhere, “Laukšpats” finds a lovely middle balance between moods, conjuring energy in the head-nodding guitar chords while being complemented by dramatic, heart-aching strings. Vest is an immersive success from Reinis Jaunais, full of exceptional musicianship and memorable songcraft.
—
“Vientuļie koki / Solitary Trees” 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.
