NORDIC GIANTS
Symbiosis NORDICGIANTS.CO.UK
Post-rock hymns to creativity from ever-enigmatic duo.
Nordic Giants are in the mood to celebrate. Symbiosis heralds a year in which Löki and Rôka Skuld will perform a series of shows to toast a decade of music and multimedia live performance, accompanied by short films, strobe lights and the customary sight of the enigmatic duo in feathered masks and pagan regalia.
This kind of sensory experience remains central to their music, which continues to mutate in fascinating ways.
Symbiosis features less of the self-described “claustrophobic cinema clutter” of 2015 debut A Séance Of Dark Delusions, and feels more substantial than 2017’s Amplify Human Vibration,
the soundtrack to a documentary of the same name. It’s a little softer, for starters, and more artfully layered. But Nordic Giants haven’t forgone any of their dramatic might, merely thrown their more explosive passages into deeper relief. Emblematic of this approach is opening track Philosophy Of Mind, which begins with muted brass and minimal piano, firmed up by crisp beats. The sound gradually rises into something more grandiose, intercut with spoken-word samples that allude to the ‘mind-body problem’ advanced by Descartes centuries ago. ‘I think, therefore I exist’ (a slight bastardisation of the French brainiac’s big statement) appears amid whorls of synths and loops.
The overriding theme here – the interdependency of life – is reflected in the harmonious use of instrumentation. Tibetan bowls, pianos, drums, analogue synths and an ancient carnyx horn all find their way into a broad musical palette, without ever sounding less than complementary. There are, too, guest appearances from a couple of regular vocalists. Alex Hedley makes his presence felt on Faceless,
another piece that slowly crawls into view before building to symphonic heights. The track confirms Nordic Giants’ status as masters of the grand cinematic sweep. Ominously, Hedley sings of dark shadows, sadness and shapeless things, while the music finally subsides to a low whisper.
The other guest singer, Freyja, appears on the busily intense Spheres. This time, Nordic Giants throw themselves into a cantering percussive rhythm, the blazing heat of the music contrasting with Freyja’s pure, cool, semi-operatic tones. And while Convergence and the mist-shrouded Spires Of Ascendency are fine examples of the band’s greater sense of restraint, the duo are in full effect on the Anamorphia.
Powered by syncopated beats and a spiralling synth motif, the song reaches Sigur Rós levels of ecstatic release. It’s an exquisite moment and further proof that Nordic Giants are capable of stirring both heart and soul in spectacular style.
CAPABLE OF STIRRING HEART AND SOUL IN SPECTACULAR STYLE.