ERLAND DAHLEN – Racoons

Talk about being overwhelmingly surprised by something that turns out to be so much cooler and more captivating than anticipated – yes, that is exactly what this original and uniquely crafted LP by legendary drummer Erland Dahlen (Madrugada, Stian Westerhus, Nils Petter Molvær Group) is.

How to describe this evocative and deeply inventive piece of work then? Well, imagine seven ambient-esque suites where unusual instrumentation plays a huge part and all these interesting layers are woven together to great effect. There are times when things feel somewhat rustic and earthy due to the percussive elements and others when you could swear that you are drifting around in the outer spheres and experiencing something can only be described as otherworldly and surreal. It is a beautiful thing, really. Electronica, experimental ambient, and jazz-inspired ideas are probably the best terms and phrases that I can come up with when trying to describe what this richly textured stroke of genius contains and consists of, but it still feels as if I am selling it short as there is so much more to it than that.

Steeped in an all-consuming atmosphere that harbors a subtle sense of melancholy, Racoons is anything but ordinary or run-of-the-mill, and the organic production is magnificent. To be listened to in one sitting and repeatedly, obviously.