Under The Influence

I was tipped off about these guys after Jakob mentioned them in an interview. I think it must be something the put in the water in Scandinavia. I once heard someone refer to the style as minimalist noodling - though that description is far too shallow for the beautiful music they create. Just have a listen to Chapter 6 - in fact take a few moments to check out the video (it's stunning).

There's a great deal of texture to the music. Most songs feature both male and female vocals / choirs / harmonies. Intricate patterns of pops and clicks form the basis of the rhythms which are then beefed up with traditional drums (amongst other things). Some of the heavier tracks, Step Aside for example, are intensified with the use of quickly repeating synthesised bass notes. Massive timbre too - subtle piano arrangements can be heard throughout and both strings and brass are used constantly.

The album is endowed with my most-listens-in-itunes medal with over 20 plays clocked up so far. I give every album at least 2 listens but by my standards that pretty much makes it an institution, one I'd be unhappy to be without.