Efterklang

★★★ Altid Sammen 4AD. CD/DL/LP Fifth album by the Danish collective and the first in their native language. Efterklang have plotted a singular course through a number of stylistic shifts, from the electronic grooves and choir of Tripper (2004), to the dazzling arrangements and episodic songs on Parades (2007) to their 2016 opera, Leaves – The Colour Of Falling. On Altid Sammen (”Always Together”) the three-piece group’s vocalist Caspar Clausen is forefronted within more conventional structures. And as the translations of the songs show, he is mulling over love, loss and disappointment. This contrasts with the bright, colourful keyboards, bass, and electronics – and some subtle contributions from baroque ensemble B.O.X. – which give the album a peculiarly bittersweet atmosphere. It’s tasteful and meticulous throughout, but the longer, more adventurously arranged songs – like Under Broen Der Ligger Du, with the group augmented by processional drums and dolorous trumpets, and the mainly instrumental Hold Mine Haender, with its choral conclusion – exert a greater grip on the imagination. Mike Barnes