seven

this latest swayzak album proved that “snowboarding in argentina” wasn’t just a random and strange fascination with the sound of the band, “himawari” managed to capture me almost in the same manner previous albums has.

the packaging is the first thing that you spot and it is what truly makes this album complete - simple yet very fitting photography puts familiar man-made elements into interesting perspective, giving them fluidity of the motion and almost surreal detached feel. the same atmosphere seems to dominate the whole album. warm, soft and amazingly spacey melodies that flow effortlessly put the listener into strangely isolated introspective state, evoking a whole bouquet of emotions and feelings.

for the second time in a row the band creates a strangest and most addictive atmosphere where vibrant retro feeling of the whole album makes it possible for almost decadent groove of “state of grace” to fit together with deep minimal techno backed by warm strings that trades places with funky mix of almost reggae vocals and deep, simple elegant techno of “illegal”.

rich basslines, lush and strangely atonal strings, monotonously pulsating atmosphere of “japan air” seems to suggest multiple interpretations each time you listen to it, but at the same time it leads and pushes the listener forward, fascinated by its own movement even during its ambient pauses. uneasy tension, rough movements and darker atmospheres are balanced out by solid strings and nicely orchestrated melodic passages on “pineapple spongecake.” almost sensuous “floyd” full with lighter passages flirts with upbeat and unrestrained “betek” that concludes the album. ah, time to go back to almost triphop-like track three and enjoy sweet and innocent voice of kirsty hawkshaw just one more time…

I am not sure how this album could be taken by others, so far I heard only a few opinions (I think it would be fair to mention that initially the band came to my attention after being spotted as one of the gridlock’s top albums last year). quite possibly it is one of those strange connections on a deeply personal level that makes this album so outstanding for me. but who knows, maybe you should get it together with “snowboarding in argentina” and see for yourself.