Beautiful, eerie bliss

KAADA is a Norwegian musician who creates stand-out albums that combine aspects of both classical and electronic music. This niche genre, colloquially titled “electro-classical,” has seen a recent rise in popularity in recent years. This rise in popularity can be attributed to nostalgic-fueled genres like vaporwave and synthwave. Electro-classical catches the listener off guard by combining that classical piano and orchestral sound with a synth, ambient modernity that can’t be mistaken for anything else.

Kaada has been at the forefront of this movement by releasing album after album of electro-classical goodness. His 2003 LP, Thank you for giving me your valuable time, paved the way for artists to question the stereotypes that classical music entails. On his most recent album, And If In A Thousand Years, Kaada sticks to his guns while creating an even more rhythmic aesthetic.

The album opener, “Lightning,” paints the picture on what the tone of the album will be. Beautiful piano chords, eerie synths and repetitive drumming drop the listener right into the album’s mood. “How To Construct A Time Machine” features curious a chord progression that feels like you are frolicking through a wintery bliss. The plucking strings and light percussion give off a youthful joy that can only be expressed through listening to the song. The album has a fitting end with the track, “Ashes and Sparks,” that features sporadic percussion and a brighter sound. However, the album is a bit too simplistic. Perhaps adding more expressive vocals could better retain listeners’ attention. The electronic aspect could have also been more center stage compared to the classical aspect.

Nevertheless, And If In A Thousand Years will set the listener in a mood of comfortable melancholy. It is an indescribable feeling that Kaada has driven home album after album. He forces you to explore your inner emotions as the bleak piano and droned synths coat your ears in a cold glaze. It rewards patient listeners who see beauty in simplicity.