Denmark’s “folktronica” duo VAEV (David Mondrup and Poul Lendal) provides refreshing contemporary interpretations of traditional Danish folk music interspersed with original compositions. David Mondrup is credited with laptop, harmonium, melody, keyboard and vocals. Poul Lendal provides violin, spoons, rumble pot, willow flute, Jewish harp and vocals.  Poul Lendal, appointed Kings Musician (national fiddler) in 2014, has toured the world for 50 years with folk music trio Lang Linken, and Harpens Kraft.  As a leading force in the development of Danish folk musicians, Lendal has taught for decades at The Danish National Academy of Music in Odense. David Mondrup is a teacher of electronic music at Engelsholm Folk High School and Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus. He also plays in the folktronica band Mallebrok, as does the album’s guest vocalist on four tracks, Mia Guldhammer.

VAEV’s self-titled album opens with “Klaphopsa,” a happy, dance tunes that will put a smile on your face. Featuring Lendal’s willow flute, “Nøkkens Vals” is a ¾-time instrumental with a simple melody that combines ancient tones with enchanting electronica. “Jomfru Luk Din Dør Op,” a traditional song about a fair maiden aboard a sailing ship, has been reworked by VAEV and even mentions the unique instrument called the rummelpot (rumble pot). 

“Radioskottis” is a bright, breezy tune, penned by Mondrup, that offers some markedly articulate instrumental colorings, as does the following medley of a self-penned “Jorn” that segues into “Hellige Konger Tre” (meaning Holy Kings Three). “Springdans” (Spring Dance), “Svøpsker” (Sweepers) and “Kærlighedstræet” (The Love Tree) are three intricate traditional tunes that are given VAEV’s folktronica treatment for memorable, powerhouse tracks.                

The medley of “Lejerdrengen / Engelsholm” begins with questioning lyrics about a tenant boy’s desires, followed by a lively, high-stepping ditty. Another interesting track with vocals followed by an instrumental polka is “Langt ude i skoven / Slängpolska fra Vridstad” that is the reprise of a popular Danish children’s song that concludes with lyrics translated as “On the little pillow there was a little boy, I never saw so nice a boy. The boy on the pillow. Pillow from the feather. Feather on the bird. Bird from the egg. Egg in the nest. Nest on the leaf. Leaf on the twig. Twig on the branch. Branch on the tree. Tree on the mountain. Mountain is far out in the woods.” You get the idea, it reminded me of Oscar Brand’s playful American folk song “When I First Came to This Land.”

Closing with “Tidman,” we hear a song, with a groovy rhythmic beat and phrasing, that apparently tells an interesting story. While the 16-page CD booklet has Danish lyrics, and is beautifully illustrated by Poul Lendal, I wish that a few English translations of storylines or lyrics would’ve been provided too. All in all, VAEV shows us how to make a country’s traditional folk music relevant and vibrant for today. Offering a charmingly modest eloquence, this fun album flows through a confluence of enchanting folk melodies and spacey atmospherics. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)