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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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