LOW-RES, the Stockholm-based duo, has graced us with two incredible albums, Därför and Varför, that showcase their unique ability to meld the finest properties of alternative, krautrock, shoegaze, psychedelic rock, and dream pop into one harmonious, otherworldly sound. Both albums are a tour de force of synth ambiances, fuzzy chord progressions, riffs, basslines, and energetic rhythmic sequences based upon well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. Därför is their recently released album that carries tracks built around deliciously distorted guitar riffs and hazy vocals that pierce through intricate layers of atmospheric synth. Tracks like Stigma, Helga, Makeup, and Away set the stage for a journey through LOW-RES’s unique soundscape, filled with luxurious, echoic, reverby, psychedelic, complex, but mesmerizing ambiance. On the other hand, tracks like Spirit, Gloom, Cora, or Kitchen showcase LOW-RES’s ability to create and sustain intense, hypnotic soundscapes that can transport the listener to other dimensions. There are also touches of post-punk, goth rock, and goth pop lurking around, and the duo thoroughly implemented these qualities into their compositions without spoiling the primary sonic direction. They unquestionably shine throughout the entire material, and the remainder of the songs are not an exception either. Compositions such as Aberdeen, Skenbubblan, or Därför are the perfect examples of how Low-Res assembles their soundscapes with so much sense of balance.
Although it’s older material, Varför serves as a perfect continuation to Därför in this case. The album’s opening track, Together, is nothing short of a masterpiece, combining elements of krautrock, shoegaze, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, cinematic ambiance, synth wave, synth pop, and dream pop. You’ll notice how swirling synths and crescendoing percussions create a sense of urgency and propulsion. The rest of the album is equally impressive, oscillating between dreamy soundscapes like those showcased on Forever, exceptional abrasive synth leads like those presented on the ethereal synthpop anthem Ja kan bara ett ord a de e varfor, or a goth rock-inspired shoegaze masterpiece like Ocean. Of course, LOW-RES never cease to amaze, so the compositions like Porjadok, Nothing, Assault, or Lockdowns burst with even more explorations into a vast universe of retro-futuristic synthy soundscapes, profoundly dynamic rhythmic sequences, reverby chord guitars, themes, leads, and other virtuosities. The vocal arrangements are also divine, providing more than necessary harmonies over an already detailed sonic background. It’s also nearly mindblowing how the duo continuously flirts with post-punk sound, but they avoid all the predictable moves. The remainder of the album is nothing short of mindblowing, and you’ll enjoy their slightly more ambient-leaning songs that serve as a perfect closure for Varför. There is an undeniable synergy between LOW-RES’s members, each complementing the other’s skills and sensibilities. They manage to be both experimental and accessible, pulling listeners in with catchy hooks and propulsive rhythms while also challenging them with intricate soundscapes and complex arrangements. Their music is simultaneously energetic and introspective, ambiental and focused, expansive and intimate.
The orchestration on both albums are impeccable, with each element given the space to articulate together seamlessly. The synths have a warm, organic feel, while the guitars are distorted just enough to add texture without overpowering the rest of the mix. The basslines are equally detailed, weaving in and out of the other instruments to create a sense of fluidity and momentum. And the percussion is simply astounding, with well-crafted beats, fills, and other percussive acrobatics that keeps the listener hooked and engaged. Perhaps the most impressive fact about both recordings is the sense of care and attention to detail that LOW-RES bring to their music. Every sound feels intentional, every moment crafted with intention and delicacy. There is a sense of urgency and passion that permeates every note, a dedication to their craft that is palpable. If you’re a fan of flawlessly assembled collections of complementary music genres, then Därför and Varför are the perfect picks. Of course, LOW-RES made a wise move and published both recordings as a double vinyl release via Adrian Recordings. It’s surprising how both records fit together nicely, and I recommend purchasing this masterpiece on vinyl because you’ll fully grasp the brilliance of these experienced musicians. Head to their Bandcamp page for more information about ordering.
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