Norwegian musical polymath Filip Dahl has been etching out a path, from his '70s rock roots to his multifaceted solo career and familial collaboration with Transcending Into the Unknown today. The journey that Dahl takes us on is of an investing creative spirit. With a discography that recalls the greats of progressive rock such as Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and Dream Theater, Dahl's music has always commanded both technical skill and depth while possessing a very personal voice. His new single, "If You Saw Me Now," which was released on December 6th, is no exception, but quite possibly with an even more somber and sensitive turn.
Dahl's previous work has well established his signature blend of melodic prog, blues-infused rock, and symphonic textures. His guitar work is often lauded by critics and acts as a unifying thread, weaving intricate tapestries of sound. However, "If You Saw Me Now" is something different, exploring new ground both sonically and emotionally. Dahl refers to the process of songwriting as "therapy and relaxation," an emancipation from the stresses of reality. It is an indication of the personal and maybe even raw lyrical approach that songwriting has taken. The theme of the song, mental health, is a bold and timely choice for the song's core subject. He speaks of the "double-edged sword" of being able to share music publicly while simultaneously opening up one's inner world. If You Saw Me Now is the very definition of sensitive power from Filip Dahl. His previous works have shown to display a mastery of playing and arrangements; this single reveals great coolness to bring forth the emotional heartbeat of the song. The instrumentation in the song is gorgeous: every note is in place and precise to engineer the theme's complexities. The vocals come from the heart, and so one can feel the full weight of his words. That is what makes "If You Saw Me Now" so special—it's a conversation, a shared experience of the struggles and triumphs of life. Dynamic range is well-managed, with tension and release balanced under the masterful touch of an experienced hand.
Where the rock elements are concerned, they're not obtrusive. The energy's still there, like a pulse that drives the song on, but it balances out the composition. Really, this restraint shows the maturity of Dahl as an artist, which I love in his music.
I can only imagine this will be a staple of complex musicianship, promising a thrilling and gratifying listening experience in itself. Be sure to stream "If You Saw Me Now" today on Spotify.