Release Date: May 2, 2025
Argo Vals - Lavendel
Estonian composer and guitarist Argo Vals unveils Lavendel, a contemplative and intricately crafted acoustic guitar album that highlights his deep connection to the new standard tuning and the expressive power of unembellished sound. Moving away from the textured electronic layers of In Loving Memory Of (2020), Lavendel strips things down to their essence, focusing on intricate guitar compositions with minimal production and organic instrumentation.
Kitty Florentine provides evocative vocals on "Barokk," lending a haunting, ethereal quality. Karl Petti contributes golpe percussion on "Õhuke joon," adding rhythmic depth and dynamic tension. "Gambale" showcases a baroque-inspired arrangement featuring Kristo Käo on baroque guitar and Villlu Vihermäe on viola da gamba, creating a timeless, chamber-like atmosphere.
Inspired by the soothing and restorative qualities of lavender, the album weaves together delicate acoustic textures, harmonics, and historical influences, bridging past and present in a deeply personal and evocative listening experience.
Argo Vals - acoustic guitars (in standard, new standard and alternative tunings), keys, sound design
Kitty Florentine - vocals [2]
Karl Petti - golpe percussion [3]
Kristo Käo - baroque guitar [5]
Villu Vihermäe - viola da gamba [5]
Composed and arranged between 2018 and 2024 by Argo Vals.
Track 2 arranged by AV and Kitty Florentine.
Track 3 arranged by AV and Karl Petti.
Recorded in 2024 at Siinusöö in Tatari Street in Tallinn by Argo Vals.
Track 2 vocals recorded by Kitty Florentine at Soo Sound Studio in Tallinn Track 5 recorded by Peeter Salmela at Malmi Street studio in Tallinn and nylon string guitar by AV at Siinusöö.
Sound editing Argo Vals
Mixed by Martin Kikas in December 2024 at Ö Studio / Tartu
Mastered by JJ
Graphic Design by Martin Rästa at Baas Design / Tartu