KONKRET MUSIK

Two years on from the slice of excellence which was 'Et Ex' and the eclectic Swedes are back with their sixth album. Since the beginning, David Lundberg (Fender Rhodes, Grand Piano, Mellotron & Synthesizers) and Alexander Skepp (Drums & Percussion) have been firmly at the helm, while Gabriel Tapper (Bass Guitar & Moog Taurus Pedals) has been there since 2004 and Rasmus Booberg (Guitars & Synthesizers) joined just after the last album. However, they have now expanded to a quintet with the addition of percussionist Jesper Skarin (Misery Loves Co/Switch Opens) and have dived firmly into the world of Krautrock. While they have been influenced heavily by Tangerine Dream in the past, this sees them moving much further into the genre, even using many old synthesisers (care of producer Daniel Fagerström) and creating something which is both dated and right up to date.

The strange thing is it is probably the guitar and especially bass guitar which provides the life to this album. The keyboards may move and swirl, but those give the direction and power: one knows this is music which is designed to be taken out on the road when the opportunity arises as opposed to being just a studio operation, as it has that vitality and drive. There is also a strong use of dynamics and contrasts, and this is brought together with repeated melodies and tangents which make this a compelling piece of music. They have also moved towards shorter songs, with only one breaking six minutes while they had four of that length or more on the last one. The title track itself sounds like Kraftwerk being brought into a rock environment, with pounding drums at the back and guitar/bass taking over from the synths when the time is right. I really enjoyed their last album, which was something of a breakthrough for them in many ways, but this one is actually better. If you have yet to investigate Gösta Berlings Saga then now is the time to do that with 'Konkret Musik'

"Konkret Musik" is the latest studio album from this Swedish band released in 2020. Same lineup as the previous album "Et Ex" but they've added a percussionist making them a five piece for the first time. I have been following them since their debut in 2006 which is the only one I haven't connected with but the next five albums are all amazing especially their 2009 release "Detta Har Hant" their masterpiece.

The guitarist adds synths while the keyboardist does as well along with mellotron, fender rhodes and piano. The bass player adds moog taurus pedals so man we get a lot of different sounding beats on here. This is an energetic record and quite catchy most of the time. We get a guest adding "buchla easel" on track 8 and I had to look it up but it was the name of an analog synth that came out in 1973. I really feel that this band and Canadians MAHOGANY FROG have the same ethos when it comes to music. Love them both.

While the first two tracks certainly get me moving and I really like how they sound they almost feel like their setting us up for that third track "Basement Traps" my first top three tune and check out that infectious groove. In contrast the next track "Close To Home" (my second top three) is outstanding and slowed down and melancholic. Just sounds amazing with that atmosphere. Back to that catchy beat driven music with the title track making it five straight killer songs.

"Closing Borders" is a minute of cascading powerful sounds. "Never To Return" is my final top three. Another beat driven catchy piece of music that I'm headbanging too. "Instrument VI" has that guest synth on it and the guitar sounds really good. Great track but only 2 minutes long. The last four are good but it could have ended a lot stronger. Still an easy 4 star release that could have been higher. I really like this one and right now would put it in my top three from this band. Really well done!