Johan Angergard's mixed projects throughout the years (including The Legends, Club 8, and Acid House Kinds) have all held one virtue foremost; 1980s synth-pop. Angergard's latest project Pallers (alongside Henrik Martensson) holds similar influences, though there is a striking emphasis of ambiance within these recordings. Pallers' ethereally charged nerve is what successfully sets them apart from their modern synth-pop contemporaries. Angergard and Martensson manage to take their obvious 80s influences and pour them into a frothy cup of elecro-laced indie pop and cosmic ambiance, swaying somewhere between distant cavernous solar systems.
Opening with the frosted, lush climate of "Another Heaven", The Sea of Memories is blanketed by a dense powder of smooth electronics and chilled rhythms, maintaining this quality throughout. Following the opener is the title track of their 2008 debut EP, and three years later, "Humdrum" remands the strongest moment on the album. Featuring a tight synthesizer melody, illuminating rhythms, and soft melting vocals; it's an enchanting interstellar lullaby, before the mix is engulfed by a halogen beam of oceanic guitar accents. Angergard's vocals throughout the album are reminiscent to that of fellow electro enthusiasts Royksopp, in particular their 2001 album Melody A.M.; both emphasizing a downtempo approach to traditional dance music.
While The Sea of Memories isn't a particularly varied effort, it doesn't feel like it needs to be. They have their mix of ambient house, downtempo, balearic, and synth-pop down so well, the album's consistent vibe of these elements sails smoothly across a wave-induced silhouette, peaking off in the distance. Occasionally it's catchy enough for a dance, and occasionally it's nothing short of harmonic mood music; relaxing and free of mind. This is a debut album brimming with potential, full of confidence and promise, and if they can progress properly they could have a breathtaking album on their hands. Though for now, get lost in the immense sea-side cosmos that is Pallers.
[Pallers Website]
[Stream/Buy The Sea of Memories from Labrador Records]
Very nice poost
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