Perhaps it’s the weather. Or maybe the impressive number of trained musicians per head of population. Hmm – I think I’ll go for the latter today. What I do know is that Scandanavian artists of varying genres have an ever-expanding interest in engaging with classical ensembles so as to find a new expression of and for their music. And this is not limited to studio recordings, nor to dalliances with small trios or quartets for concert tours.
Rather, what we are talking about here are full scale orchestral and sometimes dramatic or costumed stagings that are enthusiastically embraced by fans and observers alike. Efterklang and the DNCO’s Performing Parades, a 2008 live recording of Efterklang’s 2007 album Parades, sits at the pinnacle of this burgeoning output. Performing Parades is also accompanied by a DVD with several videos by the band and documentary footage, testament to their commitment to presenting and framing their music through graphics, visual references and live performances.
From beginning to end, the arrangements glisten with beauty – sweeping strings and minimalist textures are punctuated with sometimes quirky, but always evocative instrumentation. Choral effects flow in and out of the single vocal lines, surging and receding through the landscape of each track. On songs such as ‘Frida found a friend’, the muted rhythms of subtle electronic blips and samples are a counterpoint to the orchestral percussion, whilst feathery drums and tambourine create a loosely draped backdrop.
Apart from the spine-tingling pizzicato keyboard and string lines, of especial beauty are the brass arrangements. Utilising close harmonies and long lines, the brass section successfully underpins both the open spaces and the melodic lines particularly on tracks such as ‘Polygyne’ and ‘Maison de reflexion’. And for all of the dense, delicately balanced instrumentation and harmonic arrangements, we are still presented with incredibly listenable, directive folk-electronica melodies and song structures. Sudden injections of drama and colour are brought on by distorted guitar and haunting vocal harmonies, driving the songs with an irresistable momentum.
And the lyrics? A little obscure, a little arty, a little distorted – and always perfectly suited to the music.
Oh, and you only have to wait until the end of February for their next album to be released…
Melonie Bayl-Smith
