The third album from Danish chamber-pop outfit Efterklang is more pop and less chamber than their previous work. Their more radical tendencies may have been sidelined, but their simpler melodies are still fleshed out with careful orchestral arrangements.
On listening to their third studio album, Efterklang's recent move from the largely leftfield Leaf Label to indie house 4AD now seems symptomatic of a general change in direction for the Copenhagen group. Abandoning their penchant for experimentalism, the result is sweet, melodic orchestral pop packed with beautiful harmonies, light electronics and sturdy percussion.
Lead single 'Modern Drift' opens the album with simple alternating piano before adding strings and horns, thumping drums and high-pitched vocals that make it difficult not to compare it to recent Sigur Ros. Vocal textures are key throughout Magic Chairs and used to darling effect on 'Harmonics' where voices are twinned with punctuating string parts. And though the entire album is arranged with painstaking detail, Efterklang also show a simpler side on closer 'Natural Time'. Beginning with simple plucked guitar, its winding violins and trembling piano are understated and complimentary to a strong, memorable melody.
With an overriding mood of light optimism, things would almost be too cheery, were it not for tracks like 'Full Moon'. A clear highlight, its mournful strings and sombre choir echo the kind of dark, sumptuous spaces Efterklang have previously excelled in. Similarly, the offbeat handclaps and sharp guitar of 'Raincoats' make a welcome change from the general tone of sweetness and light.
On the whole, there's very little to criticise about Magic Chairs. Each of its ten songs are pretty, tuneful and delicately arranged. Still, in the past, Efterklang have proven themselves capable of delivering defiant soundscapes of cinematic scale. It's not necessarily a criticism that fail to do so here, but let's hope they don't lose that experimental side altogether.
