Danish artist Brimheim announces third album, Fables

Brimheim, the musical project led by Danish-Faroese artist Helena Heinesen Rebensdorff, is set to release her third studio album titled Fables on February 5, 2027, through Tambourhinoceros. This release follows her earlier 2024 record RATKING, marking a continued evolution of her artistic expression.

The new album emerges after a demanding period of touring in support of RATKING, which led to a bout of burnout for Rebensdorff. Seeking a fresh source of creativity, she retreated to a small cottage on Nólsoy, a remote Faroese island, accompanied by her long-time collaborator and co-writer Søren Buhl Lassen. This setting provided the reflective space necessary for the development of Fables.

During this creative phase, Brimheim delved deeply into the sounds of 1970s singer-songwriters, drawing inspiration from artists such as Dory Previn, Judee Sill, Scott Walker, and Nick Drake. This influence steered her toward an exploration of cabaret-style jazz elements, which are featured throughout the album’s compositions. The decision to incorporate these references came after Lassen introduced a classic jazz chord progression, encouraging Rebensdorff to experiment vocally and structurally.

Fables presents a cohesive soundscape that contrasts with the eclecticism of RATKING. Rebensdorff intentionally imposed certain principles during the recording process, such as playing every instrument by hand and avoiding pitch correction on vocals. These choices aimed to foster an organic and timeless quality in the music, with lyrics reflecting extraordinary and surreal themes.

The album concept revolves around the structure of fables, with each track portraying characters encountering unusual experiences, transformations, and dilemmas without delivering straightforward moral lessons. This narrative approach mirrors the elusive and fragmentary nature of dreams, where scenes unfold without resolution. The thematic focus on ambiguity and choice is central to Fables’ storytelling.

The first glimpse of this new project came with the single "My Collection," followed by the recent release of "Somebody Else." The latter track explores themes of identity and the desire to become someone different, presented through a surreal lens. Both singles are accompanied by music videos directed by Stine Emil, forming a linked visual narrative that enhances the album’s conceptual depth.

This progression in Brimheim’s music signifies a deliberate shift toward a more unified artistic vision, emphasizing mood and texture over stylistic variety. The absence of digital vocal adjustments and the exclusive use of live instrumentation underscore a commitment to authenticity and the pursuit of an “out of time” aesthetic.

The collaborative process with Søren Buhl Lassen remains integral, with his musical input shaping the album’s jazz-inflected direction. Their partnership, strengthened during their time on Nólsoy, appears to have been pivotal in aligning the album’s sonic and thematic elements.

Fables adds a new chapter to Rebensdorff’s discography, reflecting an artist willing to confront personal challenges and translate them into a refined and immersive body of work. The release is anticipated to draw attention from listeners interested in contemporary interpretations of vintage influences, as well as those following the Nordic indie music scene.

Though details such as touring plans or additional singles have not yet been revealed, the album’s launch in early 2027 sets the stage for Brimheim to further establish her unique voice. The emphasis on timelessness and narrative complexity could expand her audience while deepening engagement with existing fans.

The integration of jazz elements within an indie singer-songwriter framework also highlights a trend of genre fluidity in Nordic music circles, possibly influencing upcoming projects from similar artists. Rebensdorff’s approach to recording and songwriting might serve as a model for balancing artistic experimentation with coherent album construction.

Fables stands as a testament to Brimheim’s evolving artistry, shaped by introspection and a deliberate blending of musical traditions. Its release will add nuance to the contemporary Scandinavian music landscape and provide a new listening experience that challenges conventional pop and indie music formats.