Erland Dahlen: Raccoons

In the ever-expansive landscape of contemporary music, where genres seamlessly merge and boundaries dissolve, Erland Dahlen stands out as a nouveau explorer. His fifth release serves as a testament to the Norwegian musician's exceptional artistry and his fearless foray into uncharted musical territories.

Dahlen's collaborative efforts have spanned across the Norwegian and international music scenes, featuring notable partnerships with artists such as Nils Petter Molvaer, Arve Henriksen, and Eivind Aarset, among others. His drumming style is renowned for its distinctiveness and innovation, often weaving together an eclectic array of percussion instruments and electronic elements.

Racoons, his latest creation, defies the conventions of typical electronica productions. It unfolds as an auditory safari through unexplored soundscapes, instantly transporting the listener into a realm where jazz, electronica, and experimentalism converge to forge a unique musical universe.

This hypnotic journey weaves intertwining melodies, crafting an atmosphere that is both eerie and enchanting, inviting the listener to fully immerse themselves in the aural wilderness of the album. Dahlen commences this musical adventure with "Sun pt.1," featuring pronounced synth voicings and a delicate, tingling melody that beckons visions of opening the gates to an otherworldly dimension. On "Auto" he delivers reverberating lyrical drum patterns, and uses concert toms, generating off-kilter rock rhythms and explosive polyrhythms amidst surges of swirling electronics, designed with memorable hooks.

"Mud" evokes memories of Tangerine Dream's oscillating electronics, while "Froggy" is constructed with robust organ progressions and rolling EFX notes. Here, Dahlen skillfully alters the pace with massive press rolls and idiosyncratic beats. The session concludes with "Sun pt.2," framed by a lower-register, resonant synth note that dissipates into an abyss, accompanied by a majestic theme infused with Dahlen's use of small objects and percussion instruments.

This offering extends beyond mere rhythm; it presents a sonic palette rich in textures and colors. Dahlen's incorporation of electronic elements introduces a futuristic dimension, blurring the line between the acoustic and the digital, as if he has equipped his raccoons with synthesizers and drum machines, enabling them to communicate in a language that is both primal and forward-thinking. Prepare to open your ears wide and embark on a captivating musical statement that will leave you utterly enchanted.

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