Efterklang - Parades [Leaf - 2007]This is the second full length from the fabulous Efterklang & it finds them making their trademark sound denser, more epic and grand . I guess best way to try & describe the band to the newbie is a very distinctive & one off mix of ; post- rock, electronica and classical music with often very theatrical leanings and multi-layered/ dramatic banks of male & female vocals. Every track here shines with a great sense of wonder and depth- with soaring and beautiful string work, organs, brass and sweeping swells of muilt harmony vocals that sound like a whole shows chorus singing – warming your heart with wonder and different emotions. They’ve cut down on their use of electronics all but ditching their more glitchy elements from their sound, making this feel much grander organic and lush, you often find your self being Swept along as if on a magic carpet by rich and luxurious string flourishers. Or happly being pushed along by a vast crowds as majestic and magical parade of brass bands passer by in the streets of a vast fairy tale city. But there are also more quiet and contemplative moments too, with slow elegant piano unfolds swooned by emotion cello moans, or tinkling and settling vibe tones like sad melodic rain drops, that are slid over with down-turned rich trumpet drones. An album to disappear off into and get lost in it’s drama, soaring and sweeping textures. Alive with so many different musical textures & different emotions, but never sounding over indulgent or crowed. One of the most wonderfully rich and beautiful musical journeys you’ll take this year- that will take you through a myriad of different moods and melodic shades- complete and utterly unmissble & breathtaking. Roger Batty
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