As many electronic acts before them, the three members
of Skyphone started their musical journey in a variety
of traditional rock formations during the nineties,
but it is when they started experimenting with samplers
and electronic instruments that the band finally took
shape. Keld Dam Schmidt, Thomas Holst and Mads Bødker
spent some years exploring their new sonic environment
before eventually being snapped by Norwegian label Rune
Grammofon and release their first album.
Following on the footsteps of label mates Alog, Information
and Phonophani, Dannish trio Skyphone present a rather
subtle and down-to-earth form of electronic music. Fabula
also inherits from the trio’s past luscious melodies
and beautiful arrangements, often mixing electronic
and acoustic into intricate sound formations, as on
In Our Time, where a gentle guitar line develop
over a minimalist structure which combines vaporous
sounds and elements of treated guitar. The mood is extremely
peaceful here, with very rare abrasive components momentarily
disturbing the fragile constructions, only to be absorbed,
processed and assimilated. These compositions resemble
sketches of songs, voluntarily left unfinished to trigger
emotions and mental images. Replacing words with delicate
sonic touches to translate the essence of their music,
Skyphone create a series of evocative and precious little
vignettes that appear to constantly change tone and
shape.
Although apparently simple and straightforward, the
soundscapes on Fabula are in fact incredibly
detailed and rich as the combined acoustic, analogue
and digital elements appear to morph with one another.
The boundaries rapidly become blurred, giving these
compositions an interestingly ethereal and organic feel.
As the album progresses, the tracks seems to merge into
a vast moody field on which the band randomly hang accordions,
guitars, found sounds and luscious waves of warm analogue
sounds. Ranging from the under-assuming (Kinamands
Chance, Mengpaneel) to the sublime (Airtight
Golem, Gossamer, Into Hill Country),
this album is incredibly human and opened to emotions.
Far from becoming slaves to their machines, Skytone
have developed a certain element of freedom. The soundscapes
are varied and cleverly assembled, with a good balance
between organic and artificial and a positively simple
approach to melody.
4.2/5 |
