Apparatjik are one of the best musical ‘supergroups’ out there at the minute, yet chances are you’ve never heard of them. Comprised of Guy Berryman of Coldplay, Magne Furuholmen of A-Ha, Jonas Bjerre of Mew and eminent producer Martin Terefe, these guys shy away from the publicity circuit and let their music do the talking – to the extent that their live performances are conducted behind opaque screens.
We Are Here was actually released rather discreetly via their website only back in February, but they’re only garnering more attention now that their record is being re-released on an international scale. Those aware of the band back at the start of the year were in for a treat, and those only just discovering them now must surely be kicking themselves for not having their ears closer to the ground sooner.
With each member entering the band with their own distinct background sound and history, what has resulted is not a blatant amalgamation of these separate entities but an entirely different direction. Created instead is an array of electro-pop sounds which serve to inspire, enchant and rouse the senses.
Bursting, clashing and clanging electronics that sound like someone having a crazy time in a scrap yard ensures opening track 'Deadbeat' makes for an imposing first impression. However, these jagged instrumentals are slightly dissipated by Bjerre’s immediately recognizable intangible, higher pitched vocals, which add a transcendental ambience throughout. Add to the equation amorous lyrics buried beneath the gnarly rhythms and we have two opposing elements creating what should really be a dysfunctional sound; yet with Apparatjik they somehow complement each other and it all falls into place.
'Electric Eye' transports you to the other world that the band envisage themselves from, with vocals distorted to sound like the extra-terrestrial and building synths battling each other to be the first to flood over and propel you to a different dimension entirely. As the album progresses, early intensity gives way to lighter, more luminous melodies, with 'In A Quiet Corner' featuring exposed, slower vocals and for a brief second it feels as though the façade they have so intricately constructed is going to be slowly dismantled. Alas, before even the top layer can be fully peeled away, the pulsating beats soon reappear with just as much gusto as they demonstrated before.
The general perception at the end of the thirteen tracks is that there is nothing spectacularly new about their music, but what is there are genuinely fine examples of previously established sounds. The experimentation aspect of the record is its most appealing element and you feel compelled to listen on, as you’re never entirely sure what tangent they’re going to veer off to next. Team this with the mysterious and captivating persona they present and what’s left is a valiant effort possessing some exciting ideas and galvanizing potential. Apparatjik are most definitely here and I cannot wait to see what they have planned next.
This review was originally posted on www.culturedeluxe.com
