Danish indie pop rock group Efterklang released their third studio album Magic Chairs earlier this year in February. Though the band has been performing since the early 2000s, this was the first I had heard from them, after reading about them in a magazine (either Under the Radar or Spin, I think). Beginning with "Modern Drift" which has lyrical, flowing melodies accompanied by drum beats, violin accents, occasional brass florishes, and piano in addition to guitar and bass; the album starts off lively and fresh and while their penchant of the use of tons on different instruments might draw comparisions with the numerous indie orchestras around, Efterklang style with its sweeping vocals, in-no-rush song build up, and syncopated African-esque drumbeats puts them (and the album) in a league of its own. Not surprising for a band that's been around for about 10 years. Efterklang manages to use percussion to remarkable music effect like on "Raincoats" where clapping intertwines with the vocals and guitar riffs to create an infectiously engaging and charming gem. The album as a whole is rather mellow, not attempting to grab your attention with any over-the-top melodrama but rather catch your ear and move your heart with its lovely melodies. Lovers of mellow indie pop and stellar string arrangements certainly won't be disappointed by Efterklang's most recent full-length release. I know I wasn't!
Give Efterklang a listen with their lead single off 4AD label debut Magic Chairs, "Modern Drift":
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