7.25 out of 10For those of you living under a rock there was a lil' known release, "Silent Shout(Pitchforkmedia's #1 album of 2006)" by a band called The Knife. Some people dubbed it as "Haunted House Techno", some just labeled it as awesome. But no one labeled it as bad. Sweden's The Knife are unique, in the sense of frightening, bizarre, and head-bobbing all in one. I mention Sweden because they are known for there amazingly catchy indie-pop artists. I.E.; Tough Alliance, Lo-Fi-Fnk, El Perro Del Mar, Jens Lekman, The Radio Dept., etc. The Knife are no exception to this list.
Enter 2009. The Knife's lead singstress decides to release her first solo album under the alias "Fever Ray". Karin Dreijer Andersson has an interesting technique behind her voice that many women might stray away from. Her voice, though melodic, and sometimes pretty can be somewhat disturbing. She manages to mix herself with other lower-pitched layers of her own voice quite fantastically. Creating a blanket of "warm eerie-ness" I haven't honestly heard anywhere else.
Fever Ray is not a far cry from "Silent Shout", but it does bring something a little different to the table. More "popiness" less "freight". To me this album sounds like Silent Shout as if it were reproduced by 80's New Wave artist Japan. "Breezy-synths", tropical/man-made beats that sneak up on you, bizarre samples, and a slightly more refurbished Karin Dreijer Andersson.
Fever Ray is at times a little more laid back than The Knife. But If you like the Knife, don't wait on this purchase. It will fill the void until they release there next opus, which is an opera based on Darwin's "Theory Of Evolution". Fever Ray will for sure be on a lot of peoples, maybe mine??, TOP LISTS of 2009. This is a perfect soundtrack to a lonesome, ear-phoned filled journey through the streets of a futuristic city.
Standout Tracks: Seven, Triangle Walks, Concrete Walls, Now's The Only Time I Know, I'm Not Done, Keep The Streets Empty For Me, Coconut
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