ALBUM REVIEW: Den Svenska Vreden – Fågelle

Swedish (but now based in Berlin) electronic artist FÅGELLE follows up her last album Helvetesdagar with Den Svenska Vreden, which is another collection of electronic and experimental music. The album (which tellingly translates into English as ‘the Swedish rage’) was made with long time musical ally Henryk Lipp and it sees FÅGELLE exploring new ground with her epic and inspiring soundscapes.

All manner of sound is explored on the album and the feelings that it conjures up are breathtaking. It all adds up to an all-encompassing listening experience which takes hold from the very first note and takes you on a vast and unforgettable sonic journey. 

Jetzt starts things off with an audio motion that builds and builds much like the meaning of the title’s German translation (‘now’). It acts as as an atmospheric opening, much like the anticipation of an aircraft taking off, before the sheer and enchanting beauty of Ingenting follows and demonstrates exactly why FÅGELLE is so highly thought of and continues to grow and grow as an artist. The sublime beauty and sheer haunting vibe of the track combined with some passionate vocal stylings, subtle electronics and understated but highly effective guitar usage make for a masterful song and is an early centrepiece of the album.

FÅGELLE then teams up with legendary Swedish artist THASTRÖM for Kroppen. THASTRÖM was previously in Swedish punk band EBBA GRÖN and has been making music since 1977. Much like FÅGELLE, he has continued to break musical boundaries in his native Sweden, and together the two unique artists duet on a warm and inspiring track that segues perfectly into the more minimalistic Slavar.

Aldrig Mera Här and Min Yttersta Punkt show FÅGELLE at her most experimental with both tracks containing awe inspiring ambience throughout. The static that forms the first part of Tredje Långgatan Tretton soon gives way to a majestic piano led soundscape while the epic Fåglar is simply a beautiful piece of music, all the while adding more and more options to the sonic palette on offer. The album concludes with the industrial rage of the title track, the bare bones power that leads into the sublime electronic passage of Kär I Vem Som Helst and closing track Jag Går När Jag Är Klar, which ends this record on a high with its flawless encapsulation of everything that makes FÅGELLE such a special artist.

This is electronic music done with an experimental edge perfectly and powerfully, constantly heavy in atmosphere but never anything but ethereal. It is powerful but fragile and Den Svenska Vreden confidently shows off even more sides to FÅGELLE and her music and it is a joy to see that music grow as it continues to explore new ideas, all done in her own unique and daring experimental style.

Rating: 8/10

Den Svenska Vreden is out now via Medication Time Records.

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