Metamorfózy's extraordinary Decasia album is proof that it’s not all disco that’s coming from Norway these days…
Metamorfózy are Rune Lindbæk and Øyvind Blikstad, who individually have been moving mountains in the Norwegian –here we go again- disco scene. However, as Metamorfózy the duo pursues the art of soundtrack composition that reminisce of Brian Eno, Royksopp (on their Senior album), and a ‘light’ version of Air. Decasia has become a collection of classically structured and highly cinematic works packed with symphonic melodies, opera-styled elements and vibes that switch from deeply melancholic to 'everything-is-gonna-be-alright themes. Tunes such as the dubby Towlines (a lovely piece of pop melancholica with Erlend Øye-esque vocals), the Trentemøller-flavored Fata Morgana and the ‘western-opera’ on Revada add an upbeat touch to the overall, while cuts such as the psychedelic but exceptionally beautiful In Those Breaths, the piano-only Ivalo and Of A Time Passed By crawl right under the skin with their intense, melodramatic bits of blues coated in an electronic form. It is in these moment that we truly get to hear the duo’s undeniable skills for creating breathtaking music.
Our verdict: Decasia is a wonderful album and should be a first choice if you’re looking for gems in the less obvious territories in electronic music. A ‘soundtrack for the movie that you could make yourself’ indeed…
Stand out tracks: In Those Breaths, Fata Morgana, Ivalo Weak moments: none.
Rating: 8.8/10 Label:Beatservice Records Release date: March 28th, 2011 (a digital version is out now)
Tracklist: 1. Bright Leaves 2. Theme From Metamorfozy 3. Towlines 4. In Those Breaths 5. Heksedans 6. Fata Morgana 7. Formidable 8. Revada 9. Ivalo 10. Of A Time Passed By 11. Here The Woods Stand Silent
