Artist : SK/UM
Title : í þágu fallsins
Cat# RESCD004/RESLP004
Format : CD Album In Digipack & Limited 500 Only Vinyl LP
Label : Resonant
Barcode # CD 0666017048222 / LP 0666017048260

Release Info :

This is the debut release from Reykjavik-based producers sk/um, aka Skurken and Prince Valium. Available on ultra-ltd 8-track LP and 9-track CD and clocking in at 30 minutes-plus, "í þágu fallsins" expands on the established template for the electronica genre and remains endearing and accessible throughout, without ever becoming generic or mundane. CD housed in a quality digipak. The sk/um release is gorgeous !, our second Icelandic work following on from Borko's 12" and will no doubt appeal to the same folks. it's a lovely blend of melodic (and possibly 'poppy') electronica that may bring to mind things like Casino vs Japan, Isan etc.

The second Icelandic release on Resonant also heralds the label's second foray into the realms of electronica; following the majestic Borko EP (RES005) from early 2002 comes more Grade A output, with this flawless, varied and engaging mini-album.

This is the debut release from Reyjkavik-based producers Sk/um, aka Skurken and Prince Valium, aka Johann Omarsson and Thorstein Olafsson. Should you care, both Sk/um and Borko came to Resonant as a result of our contact with fellow Icelanders Mum, and though the origins are very apparent when you hear the records, each has it's own identity within the parameters of the warm, welcoming sound for which their homeland has become renowned in recent times. Whereas the Borko ep possessed the 'musical box' fragility of what could've been the soundtrack to an animated fairytale, Sk/um takes things on a step with more of a leftfield dancefloor appeal, verging on Morr Music territory.

Available on ultra-ltd 8-track LP and 9-track CD (CD includes an exclusive remix by Arnar Helgi of the opening track "Tomatar") and clocking in at 30 minutes-plus, "í þágu fallsins'" (loosely translated as "For The Fall") expands on the established template for the genre and remains endearing and accessible throughout, without ever becoming generic or mundane.


Tracklisting :

1. Tomatar (4:36)
2. Tasco (3:01)
3. Bonetrix (3:57)
4. Tota (3:33)
5. Blackletter (4:27)
6. Haprystideli (4:21)
7. Podkavodka (2:24)
8. Bjormella (4:01)
9. Tomatar : remixed by Arnar Helgi (4:34) * Exclusive To CD Version Only *

 

PRICE / COST
 
(UK) CD £5.99 - Including standard first class postage
(Europe) CD £6.99 - Including standard airmail postage
(Rest Of World) CD £7.99 - Including standard airmail postage
(UK) Ltd LP £5.99 - Including standard first class postage
(Europe) Ltd LP £6.99 - Including standard airmail postage
(Rest Of World) Ltd LP £7.99 - Including standard airmail postage

 

Reviews :

Behind nine impenetrable track titles and a sleeve that betrays little useful information, lies the debut release from a Reykjavik-based duo named Johann Omarsson and Thorstein Olafsson aka Sk/Um. An unfortunate moniker to operate under, since the music they produce together is pure, joyful, uncomplicated electro-pop made with a hedonistic heart and a heavy head.

Sk/Um are reminiscent of St Petersburg’s moody laptop masters EU, reflective yet distinctive enough to rise above the increasingly overcrowded mellow electronica playing field. Largely instrumental – barring the indecipherable morse-code whispers on ‘Bonetrix’ – Sk/Um are like a youth-club Brian Eno buzzing on too much caffeine. It’s an addictive enough brew to have you crawling back for more. COMES WITH A SMILE

What is it about Iceland? there's clearly something about the air, the water, the chill or good cheer. 'Tomatar' opens the album with finely spun mesh of drone-based strings, 'Lummur' adopts a more electropop stance to bouyant melodic effect. 'Bonetrix' treads lightly alongside the river marked 'melodic dsp' and manages not to fall in. 'Tasco' is a crunchier beauty, imagine the melodic charms of The Remote Viewer with a more urgent tempo, then spin through 180 degrees. A largely enjoyable album which reveals still further the surprising musical depths flowing in the currents of icelandic music. For all followers of the beguiling icelandic sounds of Mum, this is a pleasant album well worthy of further exploration. BOOMKAT

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