Take

Approfondimenti

2016's Our Spaces, the first release from London-based producer Guy Andrews, was one of the year's most radically different and unique electronic albums. His sophomore effort, Tåke (Norwegian for "mist" or "fog"), is a brooding and powerful album. Like its predecessor, the record moves in and out of light, ethereal moments marred with darker, more chaotic ones. Inspired by time he'd spent exploring Norway, the album effectively encapsulates the feeling of nature within its sound palette. This is no more perfectly exemplified than in the track "Fjell" -- a six-minute stomper that rises and falls with thudding techno beats, reverb-laden post-rock guitar, and frosty waves of synths -- which has the feel of hiking difficult terrain. There are vocals this time around, too. The captivating voice of Alev Lenz is heard on opener "The Clearing" and "Feelings," her softly spoken words swimming around orchestral staccatos, forlorn violas, and buzzy synth leads. The aforementioned "Fjell" is a surefire highlight here; however, Andrews' skills also lie in the not-so-obviously structured compositions such as "It Cannot Surface," its filtered electro beats seep through amidst a muddy and icy wave of synth, like an approaching storm cloud that begins to disappear almost as soon as it’s begun to envelop you. Tåke once again reinforces the fact that Andrews is an extremely talented producer who does not underestimate mood or atmosphere, and his decision to combine varied elements of different genres never fails to achieve the desired effect.

© Rob Wacey /TiVo