SVARTBAG

"Svartbag" is the self-titled debut full-length studio album by Danish post rock act Svartbag. The album was released through Rump Recordings in May 2008. The band was formed in 2001 and features members from the Danish acts The Bleeder Group and Düreforsög.

The music on the album is minimalistic, droning and slow building post rock. There are also some obvious nods toward the early German krautrock scene. I was for example reminded of Neu! when I listened to the second track on the album titled "The Flutist". As mentioned the tracks are very simple and slow building toward multi layered climaxes of droning sounds. The music is predominantly dark and atmospheric. The most accessible track on the album is probably the above mentioned "The Flutist" which is also the shortest track on the album with it´s 5:21 minutes long playing time. The other four tracks ranges from 8 to 14 minutes in length.

The sound production is pretty raw, organic, and unpolished with lots of distorted guitars, electronics and samples mixed together. The production suits the music well. The quality of the compositions is generally high, but you have to be able to appreciate repetition and slow building droning sections. It´s a means to an end though and a way to reach the generally bleak atmosphere that characterizes the album. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.