Havsmörker’s forthcoming Ilväder EP arrives courtesy of Refraction Records, steeped in the atmosphere of the Nordic coastline, taking its name from an old Scandinavian word used to describe treacherous, ever-shifting weather. On it, duo Axel Hjo and Anton Johansson develop a distinct sound from a blend of field recordings, analogue synthesis and acoustic instrumentation, drawing from dub techno, jazz and Nordic folk traditions. Out of this melting pot comes the sprawling, immersive track, Nordanväderslyckan.
Opening with trippy, acid-licked synths and a steady kick, the track unfurls into a rich tapestry of intertwining sounds. A writhing bassline anchors the piece as guitar figures, swelling pads and warm instrumental passages drift in and out of focus. Brooding low-register clarinet-like tones lend a sense of weight and melancholy, whilst a swinging hat introduced at the midpoint of the track injects movement and a sense of genuine danceability. Like a psychedelic techno jazz ensemble improvising in real time, the result is beautifully balanced, free-flowing and exploratory – think a Scandi Cobblestone Jazz.
‘Ilvader EP’ is out now via Refraction Records. Order a copy from Bandcamp.
TRACKLIST
A. Ilväder
B. Nordanväderslyckan