Vietnam by Ljungblut

«Vietnam» is the sequel to the 2023 EP "Sauda", following in the same characteristic steps. Released in the same formats, bearing the theme of a particular place.

The sonic landscape is built up around Kim's intimate vocal, soft acoustic guitars, muffled pianos, oriental bells, mellow trumpets and tasty old Korgs, all handcrafted into a sincere and warm production of engineer and multi-instrumentalist Terje Johannesen.

Vietnam became significant for Kim and his travel companion Harald Rosenløw Eeg back in the 90s. The young backpackers made countless trips throughout that decade. Both for leisure and for composing. Kim with his lyrics and music, Harald with his many novels to come. They shared the same intensity. The same eagerness. The same infatuation with Vietnam.
Many years later they would end up going back.
To catch that spirit once again.
It had to be documented. Musically.

The warm oriental bells opening on the Eno-esque ambient work of Etterklang sets the mood.
Recordings from the trip; the chanting, the crickets, the traffic and dialogues, all blend neatly with the tracks.
On four of the seven tracks, we hear the airy, near and honest vocals of the artist Sval, harmonising superbly with Kim's lush, deep voice.
Sval’s presence is not accidental. She is the daughter of Harald, and she herself has visited the monks at Co Thach. She has also stayed at the guesthouse of the lady referred to in the third track, «Lyktene ved Miss Loi».