Listened to The Knife a few years ago and they didn't really do it for me. Listened to them having gotten into Fever Ray since, and they still didn't do it. Fever Ray is Karin Dreijer Andersson, one half of the electronic duo The Knife, which is naturally why comparisons are always drawn... and it may also be the fact that from what I've heard, Fever Ray sounds like if The Knife became more interesting AND more minimalistic at the same time.
Right off the bat the album starts off brooding and atmospheric, like something out of a horror, and proceeds to plod and bleep its way through all the possible highs and lows reserved, and discreetly dark, music can travel. With elements of ambient & chillout, trip-hop, folk and drone constantly emerging here and there from the shadows to flavour the music, it's a listen that at one moment may feel strangely warm and inviting, and the next is sending shivers down your spine.
Regardless of what realm of music or tone Karin is trying to achieve at any given moment, one thing is always evident... it's creepy, weird stuff. Really good creepy, weird stuff.
Fever Ray
Released: 2009
Country: Sweden
Genre: Electronic/Experimental
"When I Grow Up" music video
"Here Before"
