Afenginn
| Afenginn | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Copenhagen |
| Genres | World fusion, klezmer, bastard etno, gypsy punk, punk |
| Years active | 2002- |
| Labels | Tutl, Westpark Music |
| Associated acts | Danjal, Astrozub |
| Website | http://www.afenginn.com |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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Afenginn, which means intoxication and strength in old norse, is a contemporary folk/world music band formed in Copenhagen in 2002.
The group is inquisitive, playful and imaginative and takes an anarchic approach to traditional musical structures. Their compositions range from lyrical, picturesque and programme music-like pieces to jagged up-tempo numbers in odd time signatures, always with the special rhythmic and melodic finesse which characterizes Afenginn. Their own term for the band’s musical style is "Bastard Ethno".
Performing with artists such as Frank London from the Klezmatics and doing performances with symphony orchestra, Afenginn has always been ambitious for new adventures. Another big-scale project was the ballet SOMA - a large scale modern ballet project created in 2010 at Bellevue Teatret in Copenhagen with the Cross Connection Ballet Company, based on Afenginn's music.
Afenginn has received rave concert and album reviews, music awards and grants. Among other things, the group participated in the "Young Elite" 2009-2011 program initiated by the Danish Arts Council for talented ambitious musicians. In 2012 the production Decenniale was set up at Husets Teater in Copenhagen, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Afenginn, featuring guest musicians, scenography, actor and choir.
Their 5th album LUX is emphasizing the lyrical aerial beauty of light.
4th album Bastard Etno (2010) was chosen "World Album of the Year 2010" in Denmark. Concept album Reptilica Polaris (2008) featuring male choir and brass section, was awarded "Contemporary Folk Artist 2009" at the Danish Folk Music Awards. Akrobakkus (2006) reached the World Music charts Europe in February 2007 and was nominated in several categories at the "Danish Folk and World Music Awards". Retrograd (2004) was chosen "World Album of the Year" in 2005 at the Danish World Music Awards.
Afenginn was started in an old industrial yard in the harbour area of Copenhagen. Both Kim and Rune had advertised for people to start a band with and saw each other’s ads. They met one evening in November together with Andrzej and his brother Alek, who knew Kim from college. The chemistry was good between them, and after some boundless search of direction like blind moose on a highway, everything fell into pieces after a concert with Hedningarna. The band had been experimenting with different styles and moods without any clear direction, but after this eye-opening concert, things got much clearer. Kim, who delivers most of the material, presented a bouquet of folk/world inspired compositions from the darker parts of the brain, and the sprouting band followed his direction.
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