KONKRET MUSIK

"Konkret Musik" is the latest studio album from this Swedish band released in 2020. Same lineup as the previous album "Et Ex" but they've added a percussionist making them a five piece for the first time. I have been following them since their debut in 2006 which is the only one I haven't connected with but the next five albums are all amazing especially their 2009 release "Detta Har Hant" their masterpiece.

The guitarist adds synths while the keyboardist does as well along with mellotron, fender rhodes and piano. The bass player adds moog taurus pedals so man we get a lot of different sounding beats on here. This is an energetic record and quite catchy most of the time. We get a guest adding "buchla easel" on track 8 and I had to look it up but it was the name of an analog synth that came out in 1973. I really feel that this band and Canadians MAHOGANY FROG have the same ethos when it comes to music. Love them both.

While the first two tracks certainly get me moving and I really like how they sound they almost feel like their setting us up for that third track "Basement Traps" my first top three tune and check out that infectious groove. In contrast the next track "Close To Home" (my second top three) is outstanding and slowed down and melancholic. Just sounds amazing with that atmosphere. Back to that catchy beat driven music with the title track making it five straight killer songs.

"Closing Borders" is a minute of cascading powerful sounds. "Never To Return" is my final top three. Another beat driven catchy piece of music that I'm headbanging too. "Instrument VI" has that guest synth on it and the guitar sounds really good. Great track but only 2 minutes long. The last four are good but it could have ended a lot stronger. Still an easy 4 star release that could have been higher. I really like this one and right now would put it in my top three from this band. Really well done!