Bergur Anderson — Night Time Transmissions

Bergur Anderson is a folk musician from Iceland who writes nostalgic, wistful tunes that seem to glow with luminescence.  Night Time Transmissions is his first album, and was released late last year on Futura Resistenza- as both vinyl( 150 copies) and digital.

Throughout the album, Anderson plays at a patient, relaxed pace that fits with the thoughtful nature of his material.  His voice wavers at times as he holds notes, but each lyric seems to be carefully considered.  It becomes a powerfully emotional experience even when it is largely unfamiliar, as it was on the first listen, the melody warmly caressing the spirit.

I hear in the chorused guitar the influence of dream pop of Cocteau Twins, and echoes of Current 93's historical neofolk in the backing flutes, and overall magical air.  The modern world of indie rock with its current love for vintage crooner and surf pop has bled over into this as well, with the most ethereal moments coming close to Tame Impala or Animal Collective.  Alexander Tucker is also a close reference, with the same thrilling air of euphoric mysticism in his works.

The interludes introduce styles other than folk, and deepen the album considerably.  The first track is ocean sounds and heavy breathing, establishing a beautiful low light mood for the entire recording, while a later piece "Flock Performs "Melisma X" (featuring The Soloist)" contains a female vocal solo in free rhythm that is almost operatic in its purity and power, recalling Dead Can Dance's chant-like interlude pieces.

Many of the vocals on the album are an octave harmony between Bergur's voice and the female vocalist, who have quite the rich tone when combined.  Together, they calmly speak or hum the words in unison, soothing with their deliberate energy.  The lyrics seem to speak basic emotional truths from the animal depths of people.  The same phrase will repeat in a hypnotic fashion many times, leading to contemplation of its meaning.

The production is wonderful and highlights everything pleasant about the music, from the reedy, intimate vibration of Bergur's voice to the lush backing instrumentation, which changes depending on context and song.  Twanging electric rhythm guitar, organ, choir-like backing vocals and diverse percussion can be heard, with an intelligently designed and vast stereo space.

This is one of the most emotionally affecting albums of psychedelic folk music I've heard in years, somehow resonating directly into the soul with the simplest words.  Bergur's patient zen effect will seep into your mind and speak to you on a basic level.  Highly recommended, and best enjoyed at the end of the day when it is time for reflection and energy dissipation. To find out more  & buy direct head by here