1921 is the Swedish duo of singer-songwriter David Åhlén and synthesizer-electronics player Andreas Eklöf. 1921 is the year when Swedish mystic, author and poet Linnea Hofgren died, aged 53. The duo 1921 arranged two of poems and its debut album, «In my veins», do sound as a spiritual ritual that brings Hofgren legacy to modern life with contemporary sounds.

Both Åhlén and Eklöf have recorded before for the Compunctio label but the intimate, chamber format distills the essence of their art. Åhlén dreamy, falsetto voice blends organically with Eklöf’s organ-like and vintage, analog synthesizers, spacey soundscape are full of subtle, minimalist harmonies and clever counterpoints.

Åhlén and Eklöf manage to create concise, ethereal cycle of songs and instrumental interludes that do not fall into new-age keyboards-based, melodramatic territories. These delicate, melodic songs suggest a challenging, emotional journey that can be interpreted as a totally reverent, humble cycle of chamber-electronic prayers, but also as a secular, existential love pleas. The title song is the only song that follow the format of a pop song, accompanied by the angelic voice of Marie Bergling, but Hofgren’s poems, «New worlds» and «The clear fount», again with Bergling backing vocals, (translated into English by Tabita Green), with the quiet reading of «Psalm 115», are the songs that anchor this unique, thoughtful project with their enigmatic, emotional impact.

Eyal Hareuveni

David Åhlén (v), Andreas Eklöf (synth, elec), Marie Bergling (v), Arvid Svenungsson (org)