LJUNGBLUT – The Other Side of All Things (2025 Re-issue)

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: https://www.gymnocal.com/products/ljungblut-the-other-side-of-all-things-ltd-lp-blue

This musically eclectic and experimental gem by the talented Kim Ljung (Zeromancer, Seigmen) from 2005 is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, and what better way to mark that than by having the brilliant people over at Gymnocal Industries release a gorgeous-looking blue vinyl edition of it. If you missed out on this beautifully crafted and occasionally heartbreaking piece of forward-thinking music back then, now is your chance to rectify that and add it to your presumably impressive collection.

The Other Side of All Things embraces experimentation, intimacy, and introspection, but what truly makes it a standout moment to these ears is its ability to feel and appear stark and stripped back in some respects even though its layers, textures, and nuances are borderline boundless. This is perfectly exemplified by the haunting opening track titled “Migraine Sky,” which is both emotive and disquieting due to the poignant lyrics, the vocal delivery that reeks of disdain, and the memorable piano notes. The arrangements are elegant and sophisticated, and there is a great flow to the album.  

The Other Side of All Things is the sound of flayed vulnerability and a bold musical opus that depicts a deeply creative yet troubled mind. Just in case there was ever any doubt, I absolutely love this record as it transcends the norms and conventions of traditional songwriting and portrays inspired highs, plunging lows, and all the memorable shades of pain and illumination in between. Progressive in nature yet impossible to define, really. Synth pop mixed with electronica and prog? Maybe, but frankly, who cares?! The result speaks for itself.