Plutonic Rainbows

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.’

I have, for many years admired this company for their advertising artwork. Here is a fantastic example from 1990.

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