JENS L. THOMSEN is a composer, artist, and producer based in the Faroe Islands. He holds an MSc in Environmental and Architectural Acoustics from London South Bank University and a BA in Music Technology from the University of West London. His work explores the intersection of art, technology, and the environment. Through his moniker ORKA, Jens has been nominated twice for the Nordic Council Music Prize.
A paean to human endeavour and the developmental history of humanity, the tunnel is at once progressive and ancient: a liminal setting where late-modern and pre-modern longings somehow seem to rub off on each other. These intersecting ideas are translated into a striking soundscape of dark drones, creeping frequencies, bleeping ambience, groaning masses of sound, and pulsating echoes from the hidden world beneath us. The underworld that we somehow are able to move through temporarily in our car under the sea, giving the tunnel and the islands a voice of their own, while exploring the parallels between the tunnel and Faroese society today.
This uniquely immersive and compelling work, previously existing only as a transitory experience for users of the Eysturoyartunnil, is now available on vinyl for the first time to be considered and enjoyed in all its fascinating detail. A thought-provoking and groundbreaking piece from one of Europe’s most exceptional composers and sound artists today. Order vinyl here.
The soundscape can be heard in Eysturoyartunnil by tuning into FM97.
Concept & Composition: Jens L. Thomsen
Artwork: Kirstin Helgadóttir
Mastering: Jason Goz
Photography: Gwenaël Akira Helmsdal Carré