Finnish art-rocker Marko von Konow merges styles that may sound contradictory at first – like lush orchestral instrumentation and jagged beats – but his talent as a songwriter and producer helps these idiosyncratic hybirds work. As von Konow splits time between the wintry Helsinki, Finland and the summer-y Alentejo, Portugal, him culling from various sections for his songcraft makes sense. The first single from his forthcoming solo album, “Cosmic” shows von Konow focusing on the theme of melancholy surrounding short intimate encounters and travels through highs and lows. The classically trained musician and visualist creates his music on a hill in the middle of an oak forest, which he built as a place to write music specifically. With von Konow’s deep and emotional voice, string stirrings, and staccato-led hook-y exultation leading the way, “Cosmic” is an enjoyable stylistic journey from start to finish.
