Second Movement by Dreamers’ Circus: A Nordic Folk Gem That Stays With You
If you’re into music that feels like a warm hug from the fjords, Second Movement by Dreamers’ Circus is gonna hit you right in the feels. Released back in 2015 on GO’ Danish Folk Music (Denmark represent!), this album blends folk, Nordic vibes, and just enough classical flair to keep things interesting. The trio—Ale Carr on cittern, Nikolaj Busk handling piano and accordion, and Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen rocking the violin—are joined here and there by guests like The Danish String Quartet and Folkeklubben. It’s not just an album; it’s more like sitting around a fire with old friends while they tell stories through sound.
Now let me get straight to two tracks that stuck with me because honestly, these are the ones I couldn’t stop humming after the first listen.
First up, “The Ballad of Solitude Street.” Man, this one sneaks up on you. At first, it’s all quiet, almost shy, but then it builds into something so rich and layered you can practically see cobblestone streets under dim streetlights. There’s this ache in the melody—it’s melancholic without being depressing, if that makes sense? Like, it reminds you of lonely nights but also those moments where solitude feels kinda beautiful. Ale Carr’s cittern has this earthy twang that ties everything together, making it feel grounded yet otherworldly at the same time. It’s the kind of track that makes you pause whatever you’re doing and just…listen.
Then there’s “August (feat. The Danish String Quartet).” Oh man, this one breaks me every time. It starts off gentle, almost hesitant, like early morning sunlight peeking through your curtains. But when the strings kick in, whoa. Suddenly it’s not just a song anymore—it’s a whole mood. The interplay between the quartet and the core trio is magical, like they’re having a conversation without words. It’s bittersweet, nostalgic, and somehow hopeful all at once. By the end, I swear I’ve got goosebumps and a lump in my throat, which doesn’t happen often. This track feels like saying goodbye to summer or remembering someone you loved deeply—it hurts good, ya know?
What strikes me most about Second Movement is how human it feels. Nothing about it screams “Look at us, we’re virtuosos!” Instead, it’s intimate, raw, and full of heart. These guys aren’t just playing instruments—they’re telling stories, painting pictures, and pulling emotions out of thin air. And yeah, sure, some tracks blend together if you’re not paying attention, but isn’t that kinda like life? Not every moment stands out, but the ones that do stick with you forever.
Here’s the weird part though—listening to this album made me realize how much I miss places I’ve never even been. Maybe it’s the Nordic vibe or the way the melodies wander like lost travelers, but I found myself daydreaming about cold winds, endless forests, and cozy cottages. Isn’t that wild? Music really does have its own kind of magic.
So yeah, give Second Movement a spin if you want something real. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself booking flights to Denmark afterward.
