Anamnesis by Homesickness

“Anamnesis” is the second album by the Copenhagen-based experimental chamber-folk group Homesickness. Drawing inspiration from the lush, jazz-influenced improvisational spirit of the late '60s/early '70s Laurel Canyon folk rock scene (Crosby, Mitchell), British folk of the same era with its sometimes pagan-like, mystical qualities (Pentangle, Shirley Collins), the airy, dynamic traits of late-era Talk Talk, and the sonic experiments of contemporary folk innovators such as Lankum and Caroline, “Anamnesis” is a truly unique, emotionally rich, and forward-thinking release. The album consists of ten compositions that blend spirited ambient flute and string improvisations, ghostly field recordings, haunting low-key singer-songwriter folk, vibrant orchestrated folk-rock, and sudden, unexpected avant-garde outbursts. “Anamnesis” exudes a magical, organic, and free-flowing quality: With its rich instrumentation—including violin, cello, flute, clarinet, and concertina—alongside elaborate arrangements and a distinctly tranquil, serene ambiance, “Anamnesis” is a poignant and significant release that broadens the scope of contemporary folk music.

“Anamnesis” was recorded during the Harvest Moon in late 2023 on the estate of the late spirit-binding artist, Annette Holdensen (1934-2023) amidst “blood beeches, bogs, and tawny owls”. Very sparse instructions were given, and with no pre-recording rehearsals, the band played and recorded for 12 hours a day for 7 days. According to lead-singer and lyricist Malthe Junge, this context served as more than just a backdrop; it infused the music with "a sense of cyclical renewal and harvest, aligning it with the natural rhythms of life." The natural environment acted as "a silent partner in the creation," with its sounds becoming interwoven with the music, enriching the compositions with "a depth that echoes the timeless essence of nature.” Junge ultimately describes Anamnesis as more than a collection of songs; it is "a wish to journey into the heart of our shared humanity," with "songs of recollection" that explore "what we do not always feel or think of but is present at all times.” It is an attempt to cultivate an awareness through which we can become each other’s "purest witnesses”—to be the kindest and most caring.

“For here I stand—yet again—looking into the exact same abyss (…) with deep fear of a fall—a fall that I have now been forced to take (…) I have quit my job, abandoned the hope of further education, and have slowly begun a transition into a rural life, healing by coexisting closely with nature" (Malthe Junge)

Homesickness is an indie-folk/jazz/post-rock septet framed around the tranquil and pensive artistic voice of Copenhagen-based singer, guitarist, lyricist and painter, Malthe Junge. A trust-based and compassionate musical space - striving to transmit and elucidate the often verbally inexplicable joys and sorrows of personal mental health and emotional life.