Avfall – Weltschmerz (Digital/CD Album – Novoton)
The Stockholm-based duo Avfall formed several years ago, but this year appears to have been particularly productive for them. “Weltschmerz” is their official debut album, released by Novoton, and features no fewer than thirteen tracks.
More than any specific musical style, it’s the melancholic courage that defines these songs. From the very first notes, a sense of melancholy emerges and intensifies through powerful choruses. The music is built around a fusion of guitar and electronics, resulting in a cross-pollination of Dark-Wave, Electro-Wave, and even Post-Punk influences. Most of the songs are sung in English, though the duo also includes tracks in their native Swedish.
“Weltschmerz” is a fitting title for such a melancholic body of work. While all the songs didn’t fully convince me, it still offers several beautiful moments — and Avfall is certainly a band to keep an eye on. (Rating:6½).
Listen to “I Think It’s Name Is Life”:
https://avfall1.bandcamp.com/track/i-think-its-name-is-life
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