Sofus Forsberg
"Udefra" CD
Jenka Music
Genres: experimental electronica,
IDM
December 2005 |
Sofus Forsberg's debut, NO/1, was the
type of obscure gem that instilled faith in the future of electronic
music. In a planet so saturated in bland and unprogressive computer
musique, it was nice to finally find something hidden in the depths
that actually screamed listen to me!! Ever since, Forsberg's
album has occupied a little space in my mind; so, ripping open a
package to find Udefra really brought a smile to my face.
Finding information about Sofus Forsberg can
be a bit of a difficult challenge - given that the majority of reviews
and bios are in assorted European languages - but this is a case in
which the music speaks for itself. Don't misinterpret, there aren't any words on Udefra
-
but the complex beats, pretty melodies, and general uniqueness are
what carry the show. Influenced by all the greats - Autechre,
Aphex Twin, The Orb - Forsberg crafts beautiful
soundscapes that manage artiness without sacrificing accessibility or
rhythm. Occasionally he can become a tad dry and [shock!] derivative -
but the wealth of unique, stray sounds seems to more than make up for
the occasional moment of tedium. Particularly notable moments include
"Dam Dam" (kind of like voiceless DNTEL) and "Nuslutter Det!"
(the subtle vocals are a nice touch), though it's often difficult to
break this record apart in terms of different tracks.
While this album didn't give me a cerebral shock
in the buttocks like its predecessor, nobody can doubt the fact that
Udefra is an exceptional electronic album. Congratulations
again, Sofus Forsberg.
87%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 10 tracks, 54.2
min, distributed by
the label, released 2005] |
