Few artists approach composition with the level of conceptual rigor and curiosity that Sturle Dagsland exhibits on Dreams and Conjurations. This sophomore album is not merely a collection of songs but a carefully curated exploration of sound, space, and narrative, reflecting both the duo’s Norwegian roots and their global experiences.

The album’s strength lies in its juxtaposition of extremes. Ambient, meditative tracks like “Drifter” coexist with feral, ritualistic expressions such as “Galdring,” creating a dynamic tension that maintains the listener’s attention while providing deep emotional resonance. Sturle’s voice, simultaneously ethereal and commanding, guides the listener through these contrasting environments with both confidence and vulnerability.

Instrumentally, the album is astonishing in scope. Nordic folk instruments, African Kora, Chinese Guzheng, and dozens of others are blended with synthesizers and custom electronics, forming an intricate, ever-changing sonic tapestry. The brothers’ decision to record segments of the album across diverse locations—from abandoned clocktowers during snowstorms to remote African villages—imbues the music with a tangible sense of place, making the listening experience both physical and metaphysical.

Dreams and Conjurations is also conceptually rich. Themes of ancestral memory, ritual, and the interplay between natural and constructed environments emerge organically across the record, demonstrating a deep integration of ideas and music. It is an album that demands focus, rewarding repeated listens with subtle textures, hidden motifs, and narrative threads that slowly reveal themselves over time.