Since
they first appeared in 1999, on the seminal Rune Grammofon,
with their debut album, Red Shift Swing, Alog
have continuously developed the sonic blueprint around
which their records are crafted in order to accommodate
their vast array of sound sources into ever more dense
atmospheric landscapes. Although essentially electronic,
Alog’s music relies equally on real instruments
and found sounds, finely balancing each element via
complex digital and analog sound treatment. This duality
is in fact at the very heart of the band’s work
and is translated in the stage name adopted, which combines
elements of the words digitAL and anaLOG.
Formed by Espen Sommer Eide, who has also released three
albums as Phonophani, and Dag-Are Haugan in Tromsø,
Norway, in 1997, Alog have become experts at crafting
complex and beautiful albums, and this third opus is
no exception. Typical of the band’s detailed work
in the way the focus constantly shifts between complex
and intricate sound structures and disarmingly stripped
down melodies, Miniatures is a truly fascinating
piece of work which always appears different and fresh
as the ear concentrates on new elements with each listen.
The title is inspired by Turkish miniature paintings,
in which only radiant coloured objects are accepted.
Alog’s music demonstrates far more depth and contrast
as Eide and Haugan in turn explore abrasive soundscapes,
improvisations, drones or luscious waves, and apply
as much importance to minute details set far in the
background as to front line components.
Alog are joined by Nicholas H. Møllerhaug who
provides additional cello and voice textures on Severe
Punishment And Lasting Bliss and Change Position,
and also collaborates with Eide and Haugan on the superb
St Paul Sessions II and closing Building
Instruments, the latter also featuring Nils
Økland’s long-term musical partner
Sigbjørn Apeland. Against Alog’s incredibly
detailed constructions, Møllerhaug’s interventions,
although totally integrated, provide a tangible evidence
of how the pair’s organic sound is assembled and
functions, yet doesn’t in any way affect the enchanting
aspect of the music or the balance between the various
components used here.
As they experiment further with this third album and
move into more austere musical forms, Alog manage to
retain the essence of their original sonic scope, making
Miniatures another finely crafted piece of
work. Never falling short of inspirations and fresh
ideas, Espen Sommer Eide and Dag-Are Haugan continue
to provide some of the most graceful and exciting electronica
around, and reaffirm here their place amongst Scandinavia’s
most important electronic musicians.
4.4/5 |
