Cover of Supersilent 8
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For fans of experimental and avant-garde music, lovers of jazz, electronic and psychedelic genres, explorers of scandinavian alternative music
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THE REVIEW

We all know that probably one in two inhabitants in Scandinavia is involved in some sort of musical group. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain how a territory, certainly not one of the most densely populated, has long been established as one of the main and most prolific rock and related music scenes, a booming hub of talented groups capable of leaving a mark.

Leaving aside the myriad of metal bands, more or less extreme, it is impossible not to mention, among the most famous, artists like Sigur Ros, Björk or Motorpsycho, all important, if not fundamental, groups in the alternative domain. Although not as renowned as the aforementioned greats, the Norwegian Supersilent undoubtedly represent one of the most interesting and original realities in the contemporary music scene.

Active for about fifteen years, they have produced at least three (semi?) masterpieces, two of which have already been reviewed (the mammoth triple 1-3, admittedly a bit dispersive and demanding, and perhaps their pinnacle, 6), to which I would add without fear the equally successful 8. As you may have already guessed, our friends don't strive too much in seeking titles for their albums (and even the songs are simply named 8.1; 8.2 etc.), alongside which are the covers, which I dare to describe, without too much fear of being contradicted, as rather sparse and minimal, containing only production information. It's clear from the start that the choice is to let the music speak primarily, which although it also tends towards minimalism, definitely leaves you feeling less cold and indifferent, quite the opposite! As with previous works, it consists of studio improvisations that teeter between minimalism, psychedelia, electronics, jazz, noise, and various experiments but at the same time do not seem cerebral at all but rather can be enjoyed with utmost delight from the first time one decides to press play (provided you have a minimal grasp of certain sounds, of course), and in this album in particular, they perhaps reach the maximum variety and maturity.

To all those who are looking for a band capable of standing out from the crowd and making its mark in the crowded current scene, I can only highly recommend listening to this, as well as the other albums I mentioned; your eardrums will undoubtedly rejoice!

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Summary by Bot

Supersilent’s album 8 is praised as a distinguished experimental work blending minimalism, psychedelia, jazz, and electronic elements. The Norwegian band’s studio improvisations showcase a mature and diverse sonic palette. Though the album’s presentation is minimalistic, the music captivates deeply from the first listen. This record stands alongside their best works and is highly recommended for those seeking unique and innovative music.

Tracklist

01   8.1 (11:12)

02   8.2 (07:40)

03   8.3 (07:54)

04   8.4 (07:16)

05   8.5 (12:12)

06   8.6 (08:43)

07   8.7 (09:17)

08   8.8 (04:03)

Supersilent

Supersilent are a Norwegian improvisational ensemble formed in 1997. Original members were Arve Henriksen, Helge Sten (Deathprod), Ståle Storløkken, and Jarle Vespestad. Their catalog—issued first on Rune Grammofon and later on Smalltown Supersound—is fully improvised, numerically titled, and blends jazz, electronics, ambient, and noise.
07 Reviews