The state we are in
Label: Hapna
Format: CD
Genre: Electronic
In stock
The first thing this CD reminded me of was Tape...then I checked out the press release and it turns out that Tape's Johan Berthling (also very recently sighted on that Fire! with Jim O'Rourke record) is in fact one-third of this band, the other two being Andreas Soderstrom (Ass) and Per Eklund on drums. It is, as you would expect, gently paced instrumental stuff, slightly pastoral-sounding, with intertwining guitars and a some subtle Hammond organ and trumpet bits. This is a mightily relaxing and tasteful listen, full of gentle, soothing, repeated melodies and beautifully detailed tones. My favourite thus far is probably 'Creaking of Boards', with its graceful fingerpicked guitar refrain. It feels like the music of a dusty, long-deserted old house. It's like the palpable sound of memories, skirting around the edges of your subconscious without ever coming into plain view. The tasteful minimalism is maintained throughout, you'll be happy to hear, so there's no surprise skronk-fest at the end to jog you out of your reverie or anything like that; nothing but subtle, soothing beauty here (Norman)
Cat. number: H 45
Year: 2011