Drawing us in with an intimate, acoustic guitar melody, Svavar Knútur and Helene Bøksle open While the World Burns – Repainted with existential and philosophical prose from Svavar, as he sings, “Some people say the end is near, and some that it’s already here, but I won’t feel the slightest fear if my arms are full of you…”
The opus expands with the presence of Norwegian icon Helene Bøksle, as she shares her evocative timbre, in unison with Svavar, with the lyrics and hook, “Maybe we will suffocate, in poisoned fumes and clouds of hate, but I won’t care about my fate if my arms are full of you… I just want to hold you while the world burns…”
Immediately, we are invited to deeply consider the state of reality, and the emotive depth that the pair convey is tangible. The presence of a stunning strings arrangement pulls further at our heart strings, whilst we reflect profoundly on the nature of the universe and the concept of meaningful human companionship.
Speaking on the message of the release, the creators confess, “While the World Burns is an apocalyptic love song. A reflection on love at the end of the world, what it means to have someone in your life that means the world to you, that everything will be alright, if our last moments can be spent in each other’s embrace.”
We learn that the opus is part of Svavar Knútur‘s upcoming album Ahoy! Side B, and features Svavar himself on vocals, acoustic guitar, and piano, whilst Helene shares her ethereal vocals, Bassi Ólafsson performs percussion with Örn Ýmir Arason on bass and synths, whilst Unnur Helgadóttir shares his soul on cello, with Karl James Pestka on viola and Sigrún K. Jónsdóttir on violin. Overall, the soundscape created is highly emotive and relatable too us all, serving as catharsis for both artists and listeners.
The collaboration between Svavar Knútur and Helene Bøksle emerged from their meeting at the Nordic Folk Alliance conference in Roskilde last year. The pair tell us how they are united by shared ideals and visions.
We love what Svavar Knútur and Helene Bøksle have created together, and the moving and existential energy that the composition exudes. We have added While the World Burns to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our brand new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the discographies of both artists, and anticipate the release of Ahoy! Side B!