Piramida

When an old drummer/artist friend recommended I give this band a listen, I kind of knew what to expect. I wasn't off the mark, and that's a good thing. First, this is not an album to listen to in the car. At least not in my car , and least not while the engine is running and in motion. Why? Because you really need to listen to it. It's not a sing-along sort of album. As they say, the devils' in the details.I like reviews that give me a point of reference, so here goes: If you like(d) Talk Talk (the quiet arty stuff), Blue Nile and Snow Patrol (the quiet stuff) you will probably appreciate what Efterklang is about.If Snow Patrol didn't make "pop" (as in popular)music, they might make more arty music like this.No electric guitar to speak of here though. Piano(sparsely) horns, strings (real), voices (choral) and really good precussion (notice I said percussion, not drums) with some tasteful synth sound thrown in, make for an interesting listen. Listening is the key. The album creates a mood, so if you make the time on a quiet Sunday evening, put the headphones on, and enjoy. The artwork (photography/graphics) is also pleasing to the eye, which is also a big part of what the Scandanavians are into and want us to appreciate as well. Give it a try if you're adventurous. Thanks Jeff.

Difficult to grasp and ever-changing would be the best ways to describe Efterklang. Roughly two years following the release of "Magic Chairs" and here we go again with more layering of unique sounds and beautiful vocals--and it just keeps getting better. I will openly admit I wasn't a big fan of their previous album even though it had memorable tracks, but "Piramida" has blown me away right from the start just as "Parades" did many years ago.From the opening track "Hollow Mountain" you'll know if this music is for you, but don't attempt to judge by a 30-second preview on Amazon. As you continue you'll try to pick up on all of the sounds flooding through your ears. "Sedna" was a particular standout for me as an emotionally beautiful and yet very simple track that you'll want on replay over and over when you're feeling down and out.Another interesting note is the apparent inspiration for this album, Pyramiden (Piramida), which is an abandoned settlement in Svalbard, Norway. There are plenty of interesting photos within the physical album case, which I believe make it worth spending a few bucks more to get.

Having heard the report on NPR's Morning Edition on 2013 March 4, "How One Band Turned A Ghost Town Into A Giant Recording Studio", which featured their sound sampling on Svalbard, I was intrigued, as I enjoy this type of music. I am very happy I bought it and find it enchanting, with a very pleasing depth and ambiance. It's my current favorite, both refreshing and familiar with its echoes of other ambient bands like Air, Zero 7, etc. Highly recommended.

Only just started getting into this and the band but this album has a great feeling. Lately, I haven't listened to much rock/pop; I've been listening to electronica/downtempo, house, ambient, and drum and bass but this album really goes well with my taste in vocal electronica and ambient. The sounds are very interesting and smooth. The lead vocals are well executed, albeit his timbre has taken some getting used to but it is really an ethereal experience.

I can't really write a thorough review of an Efterklang album here because this is not Efterklang.Every other album I have of theirs is so much more rich, engaging and interesting than this one. It seems like they kicked every member of the band out of the studio except one guy who insisted on making every track revolve around his dull, insipid vocals.Normally this band does so much with sound... electronic glitchy percussion, beautiful melodies from a variety of instruments, haunting vocals (performed by a very talented female who is totally absent on this record)Fans of the band pass on this one. Music lovers who have not heard the band yet get Tripper or Under Giant Trees to get a good idea of what this band can do.

unexpectedly it has vocals in english (largest paying audience); but the album is very well put together. in my case I purchased this because of a interview i heard on national public radio which dealt with the album's genesis; my ears are happy when I listen.

I love this album, my only complaint is that it arrived with a slight warp, but it's not bad enough to actually distort the music playing so I'll keep it.

I wish I had discovered these guys a lot sooner. Touching, atmospheric, unique... These guys do it all, and do it all very well. I'm a huge fan of Elbow, and I would say that Efterklang is in the same vein. They are now one of my new favorite discoveries.

After reading the very positive reviews and the fact it was recorded at an abandoned Russian mining village near the North Pole, i tried not to get too carried away before my first listen. I didn't need to worry.Q and Mojo mention hints of Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden which i hear, but i also hear The National. More importanly, this album has an identity all of it's own. If you want your music to carry you away to somewhere beautiful. Look no further. It's Here. You will not be dissapointed.

The other reviews on here might lead you to suppose that this is more ambient than it actually is - the outstandingly good vocals won't permit you to leave this in the background for too long. As regards the music, I loved the use of brass which echoed David Sylvian's early solo albums and as a whole the album reminded me of Gramophone and Portishead and more recently of Wild Beasts. Take it from me that if you like any of the above you will like this album.

As a fan of Sigur Ros and the lesser known Jeniferever, Efterklang's latest release is, in my opinion, on a par with anything released by the aformentioned groups. The vocals are haunting, guiding the listener through the frosty landscape sculpted from the understated and magnificently constructed work of this group of talented Scandinavians. It all comes together beautifully to create an experience both chilling and heartwarming at the same time. Well worth taking a punt on if you're not familiar with them, and if you are, you won't be disappointed.

This is a fantastic album, full of atmosphere, you get taken on a musical journey from which there is no reason to escape untill the last track has finished. A great find and a great buy.

This has been stuck in my CD player for days now - such a sublime CD - fresh, crisp with an original identity. There are hints of Talk Talk as someone else has mentioned, but really this is new and original. As I said, sublime.