Efterklang
Magic Chairs
(4AD)
On Magic Chairs, Copenhagen’s Efterklang employs a mesh of electronic indie pop, but without the same big band effect that normally occupies their upbeat musical playground.
This trend is exemplified by opener, “Modern Drift”. As melodic keys build throughout, the band elaborates the arrangment with dreamy strings, strategically played synth and soft lyrics.
While its energy may be subtle, the combination of optimistic instrumentation and barely there vocals draw the listener into a playful, yet relaxing atmosphere of assorted instrumentation.
Throughout the entire album, the familiar characteristics of Efterklang are sure to linger—a strong and steady drum beat, bursts of trumpet, and tasteful electronic bits . But Magic Chairs contains only distinct traces of these elements and overall, the rest of the album is seemingly less lively than its opener.
Songs like “Scandinavian Love” and “Raincoats” epitomize the overarching whimsical sound, with layers of sharp, clinky synth, hand claps and the chorus of vocals that consistently fills the album with a hint of energy. Combined with quirky lyrics, Efterklang seeks to create fun-filled nonsense that remains relaxed.
While the album still creatively reigns in a variety of musical sources, the exhaustion of these sounds is lackluster. Efterklang employs the same techniques as usual, but with Magic Chairs, slows things down to a tempo that could ultimately use a little more spirit.
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