Beautifully elusive ghost dubs from Civilistjävel! burst forth with a
compelling new LP that arcs from Pole-inspired
vapors to crystalline ambient textures, culminating in a closing track featuring
cult chamber pop artist Thomas Bush — all new from Fergus Jones' burgeoning FELT
label. Following the success of Brödföda (2024) and Jones' solo debut for
Numbers, the seven-part suite Följd reliably guides devoted listeners into
intimate, imaginary synth landscapes that evoke an uncanny isolationist
pastoralism and reflective introspection, echoing traditions from Cluster to
Enno Velthuys, Ø, and more obscure Swedish synth influences.
In addition to a farewell piece featuring collaborative vocals by Thomas Bush,
the album spotlights Tomas Bodén's rapid, improvisational synth play. His
approach gently navigates a realm of softly expansive, aerated analog textures
and spongy sub-bass frequencies, crafting what is now recognized as a
distinctive signature sound. From the opening strokes to Bush's quietly yearning
vocals, Civilistjävel!'s subdued yet melodious instrumental lyricism guides
listeners through moments reminiscent of Mika Vainio's classic Kantamoinen,
unfolding with frosted-pane synth gazes, a breathtaking 10-minute centerpiece of
melting drum machines and synth wooze, perfectly measured dubbed acid in XVII,
and an iridescent, blissful escape in XVIII.