MIKROKLIMA is a hopeful reminder that connection and understanding are still possible.
April Records
Emil de Waal – Drums, Electronics, Programming and Percussion; Gustaf Ljunggren – Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizers, Fender Rhodes, Bass
Danish multi-instrumentalist Gustaf Ljunggren and drummer Emil de Waal follow up their 2023 release STOCKHOLM KØBENHAVN with MIKROKLIMA their fourth album together. With 25 years of shared experience, from TV gigs to Chinese noise concerts, and numerous solo albums between them, their deep musical bond is unmistakable. MIKROKLIMA feels as organic and effortless as it does thoughtful and intentional.
Ljunggren earned a reputation as an exceptional saxophonist at the Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen, despite a supposed lack of practice. Since then, he’s proven he’s exceptional at just about every instrument he’s tried, from pedal steel to bass to piano. De Waal, one of Denmark’s most respected drummers, has led the groups Kalaha and Vente while working with a who’s who of Scandinavian jazz. Together, they make music that’s all about texture and feel, not flashy solos. Their arrangements pull you in and don’t let go, all while sounding effortlessly simple.
One of the charming aspects of MIKROKLIMA is its sense of community. Ljunggren and de Waal took the heartwarming step of inviting a group of 11- to 13-year-old music students from the Bernadotte School to join the recording. The school’s philosophy, inspired by the ideals of the United Nations, focuses on bringing cultures together through shared experiences. The young musicians bring an energetic vibe to the music, proving that music is a universal language that connects us all, no matter our age or experience.
MIKROKLIMA is a lesson in restraint and intuition. Ljunggren’s folk-influenced harmonies lay down a warm, colorful foundation, while de Waal’s drumming thrives on subtlety, grooves that feel as satisfying as they are deliberate. Each track unfolds patiently, focusing on atmosphere and interaction over technical flash. It’s music that breathes, letting every note land with intention.
The title track, ‘Mikroklima,’ has Ljunggren’s guitar picking out simple, pretty reverbed notes. He adds a low bass tone, and with a warm helping of electronics, it feels like we’re listening to a larger group. De Waal’s brushwork is light, tasteful, his cymbals barely above a whisper. The synthesizers and programming weave together a rich, textured sound, swelling to something almost orchestral.
“Cinematic” gets thrown around too often, but it’s the perfect word for ‘Efter dig,’ the album’s prettiest track. Ljunggren’s guitar starts high, picking out a delicate melody, while de Waal’s drumming is spot-on, subtle, supportive, just right. The tune evolves with Ljunggren shifting notes to the midrange, his guitar still singing, while a soft sea of electronics gently washes over everything.
The liner notes were written by Danish journalist Rune Lykkeberg, who says he spends much of his time pondering how people can truly connect. “This is what it’s all about,” he reflects. “We must make space for others to share what they have, and we must offer what we have in return.” After seeing Gustaf Ljunggren and Emil de Waal perform live, he was struck by how they listened to one another, followed each other’s lead, and created a musical bond that brought everyone together.
Despite the noise and chaos of the world, MIKROKLIMA is a hopeful reminder that connection and understanding are still possible.
Ljunggren, de Waal, and the six music students held a release concert for MIKROKLIMA at a turn-of-the century church in Copenhagen, Brorson’s Church. I wish I could have been there.
