Saltmother – Maaske
There’s a long standing folk and hymn tradition in Scandinavia and Denmark in particular. One which hasn’t been renewed for decades. At least not until now.
Saltmother releases her new single ‘Maaske’ which draws inspiration from choir and folk music, but blends it effortlessly with doom rock-like guitars reminiscent of contemporary artists such as Still House Plants (UK) and Clarissa Connelly (DK).
‘Maaske’ expresses a wavering condition that is at once unique to the time we are living in now and universal, the condition being the fact that brighter days are ahead, and that darkness of today is only overcome by the comforting relief of being and singing together. The song’s hopeful lyrics about summer glow and June’s promise are sung by a choir of voices in communal song, accompanied by electric guitars that gently and imperfectly support the track’s hopeful melancholy. Aesthetically, ‘Maaske’ weaves elements from vastly different eras and traditions, united in Saltmother’s distinctive expression, where the noise of steel and distortion, the sound of space and wood, and movements from hymns and folk ballads become naturally intertwined.
Behind the moniker Saltmother is singer and composer Amanda Appel, whom you may already know as a member of the Danish Music Award-nominated vocal group illinx, which has thrived on Denmark’s experimental music scene since 2020. They have performed everywhere from Roskilde Festival to midsummer bonfire ceremonies in Copenhagen, from fashion shows during Copenhagen Fashion Week to niche classical music festivals all over the country.
In 2022, Saltmother released the debut EP Heavy In Baby Blue. An adventurous electronic release consisting of songs about being young and in love, living in rental apartments, and taking hormonal contraception.
‘Maaske’ is the first single from Saltmother’s forthcoming debut album and marks a shift for the experienced musician toward a darker, more acoustic sound, filled with intimacy and captivating imperfections.
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