The world’s first feature-length documentary film, Nanook of the North, chronicled an Inuit family in 1922 and has been recognized by the Library of Congress as among history’s most significant films. Over the years, a range of musicians have provided scores for the silent doc: Dead Rat Orchestra, Chris Newman (a.k.a. Janus), the Silent Film Ensemble, Timothy Brock (appearing on the Criterion Collection edition), and a particularly abstract interpretation from prominent Inuk throat-singer Tanya Tagaq.
Now, a new team is taking a stab at the film score. Nanook of the North, the band, is comprised of two Polish musicians: composer Stefan Wesołowski and experimental electronic artist Piotr Kaliński (a.k.a. Hatti Vatti). The duo chose to score the film after being invited to perform at the Sopot Film Festival in Poland. Stefan and Piotr even situated themselves in the film’s frigid environment by recording in Reykjavík and mixing in Greenland. Below, check out “Arfernat” (translated as “beaten”), one of the tracks from the upcoming release. Or disappear into the duo’s Boiler Room performance to get a broader sense of what’s in store.
Nanook of the North’s self-titled release is out in physical and digital editions on February 23 through Denovali Records.
Nanook of the North tracklisting:
01. Siulleq
02. Tulleq
03. Pingajoq
04. Sisamaat
05. Tallimaat
06. Arfernat
07. Arfineq-aappaat
08. Arfineq-pingajuat
09. Qulingiluaat
10. Qulingat
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