HORROR VACUI

This wondrous music project is comprised of two women, namely Maria Arnqvist and Cecilia Österholm. They are hailing from Sweden, already being active since more than one decade under this moniker. Recorded live in the studio SIRI KARLSSON have created a new drug in 2018. That album serves an unmatchable atmosphere, releases your senses into a special state of intoxication. This is addictive, but, and now the good news, definitely not harmful. The meaning of 'Horror Vacui', well, let's have a try. It's the reluctance of, or just fear of the void somehow? Requiring the opposite of emptiness in terms of art.

Means they have to go for versatility here, come what may. Now due to the cover painting's manifolded structure, contributed by Per Byström, they have taken the first hurdle with ease. Stylistically seen let's put this album into the drawer Avantgarde Neo Krautrock. Something special, original, Cecilia plays the nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish instrument. Fitting one vinyl flipside alone the album title track sets standards when drawing on the aforementioned request. Initially the deep toned key fiddle, a hypnotic bass stroke, and marching drums are serving a mystic and dramatic atmosphere.

Some minutes later though it turns into a rocking behaviour featuring much synthesizer activity. And then it all collapses again with ethereal but also slight horror feel. This track as well as the entire album is brimful of diverse impressions and moods, impossible to describe in all its glory. Vocals are irresistible. Saxophone and trombone are arranged like arriving from another dimension. On a side note, actually it's melodic too, yeah really. I can hear some similarities to fellow countrymen Ex Canix and the sinister ritualistic folk akin to Heilung. Mission accomplished! 4.5 stars.