Twice a Man – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com Industrial, electro, EBM, post-punk, darkwave news Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:20:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://www.side-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-side-line-logo-png-32x32.png Twice a Man – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com 32 32 Twice a Man announce ‘Reveries Before Silence’ artbook album and share ‘Desert Snow’ visualiser https://www.side-line.com/twice-a-man-reveries-before-silence/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:35:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=102732 Twice a Man release "Reveries Before Silence" on Dependent Records on 20 November 2026 as a 36-page hardcover 2CD artbook, led by the single "Desert Snow".]]>

Two Twice a Man artbooks now land on the same day. The Swedish synthpop act release their new album “Reveries Before Silence” on 20 November 2026 through Dependent Records, as a 36-page hardcover 2CD artbook with lyrics and liner notes, limited to 500 copies. The first single, “Desert Snow”, is out now with a visualiser, with music and visuals by the band. Pre-orders run through the label store.

The album runs to seven tracks: “Instruments of Joy”, “During Cloudtime”, “Constant Dreaming”, “Beating Still”, “Desert Snow”, “Lifeform” and “Rabbit Walk”. The artbook edition adds four bonus tracks, “Incredible Journeys”, “There Are Flowers to Grow”, “In A Coloured Cloud” and “A Foggy Slumber”. Twice a Man recorded and mixed the album at their own Xenophone Studio in Jörlanda, and Hans Olsson mastered it at Svenska Grammofonstudion in Gothenburg. The band also handled the artwork and layout. The current line-up is Dan Söderqvist on electronics, guitars and vocals, Karl Gasleben on electronics and Jocke Söderqvist on electronics. Dependent describes the record as “an open invitation to join a collective dance fuelled by electronic beats and melodies”.

Gasleben, speaking for the band, called the single “one of our musical footprints in a time marked by uncertainty, division, and change”. He added: “This song reflects on the world we live in today while reminding us that hope and positive thinking can still be a path toward unity. As modern societies continue to challenge our sense of human connection, we need to find what brings us together rather than what drives us apart. […] ‘Desert Snow’ is our contribution to that conversation – a song that carries both reflection and faith in a better future.”

‘The Marine Trilogy’ moves to 20 November

The companion release Side-Line covered in August, the 48-page 2CD artbook “The Marine Trilogy”, was announced for 23 October 2026. It now arrives on 20 November 2026, the same day as “Reveries Before Silence”. That set gathers the marine-themed material from the 1984 cassette “Waterland” and the 12″ singles “Across The Ocean” (1984) and “Aqua Marine Drum” (1986), remastered for their first appearance on CD, and is also limited to 500 copies.

About Twice a Man

Twice a Man come from Gothenburg, where Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben met in the early 1970s in the groups Älgarnas Trädgård and Anna Själv Tredje. From 1978 the two worked as Cosmic Overdose, whose 1981 tape “Final Koko” was reissued in 2024, and took the Twice a Man name in 1981. The debut album “Music For Girls” followed in 1982, with “From a Northern Shore” (1984), “Slow Swirl” (1985) and “Works On Yellow” (1986) in the years after; from 1984 the group added samplers and field recordings to their synthesizer set-up. Alongside records, Twice a Man wrote music for seven full-evening productions at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, for a 1984 whale exhibition at the Cultural House of Stockholm, and for film, dance, exhibitions and the 1998 PlayStation game “Kula World”. Their catalogue in the following decades includes “Driftwood” (1988), “Agricultural Beauty” (2002), “Clouds” (2008), “Icicles” (2010), “Presence” (2015), the ambient forest album “Cocoon” (2019) and “On the Other Side of the Mirror” (2020). Jocke Söderqvist, a long-time collaborator, rejoined in 2013 and is credited on the recent albums.

With Dependent Records the band compiled the 3CD artbook “Songs of Future Memories (1982-2022)”, announced in November 2022 with a video for “Decay”, and released the video “Dahlia” in February 2023. The single “Birds Eye View” opened the campaign for “The Coloured Breeze Is a New Dimension”, released on 13 June 2025 on vinyl and as a CD book. Earlier this year the German act Coloured Tears devoted two tribute albums to the band’s 1982-1988 songs. “Reveries Before Silence” is the second Twice a Man studio album on Dependent in under eighteen months, and the 20 November date pairs it with the mid-1980s recordings of “The Marine Trilogy”.

]]> Twice a Man Archives - SIDE-LINE nonadult Twice a Man compile rare marine-themed tracks in ‘The Marine Trilogy’ artbook https://www.side-line.com/twice-a-man-marine-trilogy/ Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:47:16 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=98848 Twice a Man release "The Marine Trilogy", a 500-copy 2CD artbook of remastered marine-themed tracks from 1984-1986, out October 23, 2026.]]>

Swedish electronic act Twice a Man will release “The Marine Trilogy”, a 48-page 2CD artbook compiling out-of-print, marine-themed material recorded between 1984 and 1986, on October 23, 2026 through Dependent, limited to 500 copies.

Twice a Man’s ‘The Marine Trilogy’ artbook

The tracks originally appeared on the cassette “Waterland” and the 12″ singles “Aqua Marine Drum” and “Across The Ocean,” releases that have since become sought-after collectors’ items. “The Marine Trilogy” gathers and remasters that material for its first appearance on CD. Pre-sale for the artbook begins September 9, 2026.

The band describes “Waterland” as the result of a collaboration with the Center for Studies of Whales and Dolphins, which recorded the whale sounds used as the bassline on “Across the Ocean.” Twice a Man describe the material around the marine world as “a perspective from which to view the world,” made amid what the band calls its “fear of the turbulent world order” of the mid-1980s. The group also confirmed a new full-length album is in the works, to be announced separately.

About Twice a Man

Twice a Man is a Swedish electronic duo from Gothenburg, formed by Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben (born Ingemar Ljungström), who met in the early 1970s playing in the groups Älgarnas Trädgård and Anna Själv Tredje. The pair started working together in 1978 as Cosmic Overdose, renamed the project Twice a Man in 1981 and released their debut album, “Music For Girls,” in 1982. From 1984 the group began incorporating samplers into its synthesizer-based, theatrical sound, a period that produced the marine-themed “Waterland” cassette and the “Aqua Marine Drum” and “Across The Ocean” singles now collected on “The Marine Trilogy.” Long-time collaborator Jocke Söderqvist rejoined the group in 2013. More recently, Twice a Man released the video for “Dahlia” in 2023, remastered former member Lars Falk’s classic 1980s-era material, and in 2025 announced the album “The Coloured Breeze Is a New Dimension,” led by the single “Birds Eye View.” “The Marine Trilogy,” due October 23, 2026, revisits the band’s mid-1980s marine-themed recordings ahead of a new full-length album still to be announced.

]]> Twice A Man – The Coloured Breeze Is A New Dimension (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Dependent Records) https://www.side-line.com/twice-a-man-the-coloured-breeze-is-a-new-dimension-digital-cd-vinyl-album-dependent-records/ Fri, 16 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=76865 We sometimes forget that Twice A Man has its roots in the late ’70s, when...]]>

We sometimes forget that Twice A Man has its roots in the late ’70s, when the group first emerged under the name Cosmic Overdose. Since adopting their current name in 1981, this Swedish trio has built up an impressive and diverse discography.

Now, they return with a new album—an effort that took several years of dedication and creative labor to bring to life. Twice A Man continues to stand apart from the mainstream. They’re not your typical Swedish Synth-Pop or EBM act, but rather a band that blends a variety of influences into a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape where guitars and synths intertwine seamlessly.

Warm string arrangements add a floating, ethereal quality, gradually shaping the songs into a form of Cinematic-Pop. Delicate sound treatments are layered over slow, sometimes intricate rhythms, with passionate vocals rising above it all. The result is elegantly finished with vintage electronic touches that evoke a sense of both nostalgia and innovation.

Technically, the album is finely crafted and rich in detail, though not always immediately accessible. But as mentioned, Twice A Man remains a true outsider—an act for a discerning audience that will undoubtedly appreciate the depth and artistry of this release. (Rating:7½).

Listen to “Birds Eye View”:

Read the news on ‘The Coloured Breeze Is A New Dimension’.

About Twice A Man

Twice a Man were formed in Gothenburg, Sweden and is comprised of Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben. The duo met in Gothenburg during the early 1970s when they played in the bands Älgarnas Trädgård and Anna Själv Tredje. Originally they formed a duo in 1978 as Cosmic Overdose.

After changing their name to Twice A Man in 1981, they released their first album, “Music for Girls”, in 1982. The group have consistently used synthesizers and electronic effects to create their theatrical and atmospheric soundscapes, and from 1984 they began to work with samplers.

The band has featured a variety of musicians in their line up, including long-time collaborator Jocke Söderqvist, who rejoined the group in 2013 for club and festival concerts based around some of their earlier works. They have also written music for theatre (including several works for the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm), television, film and radio, and composed the soundtrack to the PlayStation video game “Kula World”.

In the early 1990s, Twice a Man created a side-project entitled The Butterfly Effect, releasing the album “Trip” in 1991. Later albums include “Icicles” (2010), the compilation “Songs of Future Memories (1982-2022)” (2023), and “On the Other Side of the Mirror” (2020). Their newest album, “The Coloured Breeze Is A New Dimension”, is released on Dependent Records.

]]> Twice A Man reveal first single ‘Birds Eye View’ now and announce details of forthcoming new album ‘The Coloured Breeze Is a New Dimension’ https://www.side-line.com/twice-a-man-first-single-birds-eye-view/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:10:38 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=75348 The Swedish electronic environmentalists Twice A Man present the track “Birds Eye View” as the...]]>

The Swedish electronic environmentalists Twice A Man present the track “Birds Eye View” as the first advance single taken from their forthcoming new full-length “The Coloured Breeze Is a New Dimension”. “The Coloured Breeze Is a New Dimension” has been scheduled for release on June 13, 2025.

We do refer to the band as environmentalists since a strong environmental focus has shaped their work, from their 1984 whale exhibition soundtrack to the ambient forest album “Cocoon” (2019). Field recordings and nature themes remain integral also on “The Coloured Breeze Is a New Dimension”, an album which explores escape and solace through music, nature, and art.

You can check out the track below.

Twice A Man comment: “Overview can light sparks in the place where your roots are waiting”, guitarist and vocalist Dan Söderqvist writes on behalf of the band. “If you follow the time you can destroy the eradicating wheels of commerce. Don’t drown yourself in pretended sleep! There is a common knot that must be untied. Our thoughts are the light and nature sings our lullabies.”

“The Coloured Breeze Is a New Dimension” is available as a 36-page hardcover CD artbook, and as a black vinyl LP.

Since forming as Cosmic Overdose in 1977, Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben have been quite active in Sweden’s electronic music scene, later transforming into Twice A Man. Their extensive career includes numerous albums, film scores, theatrical compositions, and multimedia projects.

Anno 2025 the band consists of Dan Söderqvist on vocals and Karl Gasleben and Jocke Söderqvist on electronics. Read the review of ‘The Coloured Breeze Is A New Dimension’.

]]> Lars Falk is back with a new EP ‘Ein kleines Werk 1999-2011’ – Out now https://www.side-line.com/lars-falk-is-back-with-a-new-ep-ein-kleines-werk-1999-2011-out-now/ Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:02:05 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=73990 Gothenburg-based musician Lars Falk is back with a new EP, “Ein kleines Werk 1999-2011“, on...]]>

Gothenburg-based musician Lars Falk is back with a new EP, “Ein kleines Werk 1999-2011“, on Xenophone International. He describes it as ”old but new, in the spirit of Kraftwerk.” The 5-track EP is out now via Bandcamp and should please all the Kraftwerk and Metroland fans for sure.

About Lars Falk

Lars Falk was an active member of Twice a Man from 1981 to 1982. He contributed as a composer, lyricist, and performer on their debut album, “Music for Girls” (1982).

In 1983, Falk launched his solo career with the cassette album “Through”. The album was co-produced by Falk alongside Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben, both members of Twice a Man. Included on “Though” was the track “Rainy Days” which displays his style very well.

The “Though” album was followed by the single “TV Eye”/”Doors” in 1985.

His self-titled vinyl album, “Lars Falk”, was released in 1988 through Xenophone International and the German label Yellow. A CD version became available in 1994.

After a period dedicated to creating soundtrack music for the interactive game “Entropia”, Falk returned to his synth-pop roots in 2018, releasing digital singles such as “Dog”, “Can Do Without You”, and “Lullaby for the Few”. In 2023, his 1988 album was remastered and reissued, co-produced with Karl Gasleben of Twice a Man, featuring backing vocals by Tinna Möller of the band Brand.

Classic 80s music of Lars Falk from Twice a Man remastered
]]> Cosmic Overdose reissue rare 1981 tape ‘Final Koko’ https://www.side-line.com/cosmic-overdose-reissue-rare-1981-tape-final-koko/ Thu, 10 Oct 2024 18:24:43 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=63756 The pioneering Swedish electronic band Cosmic Overdose is set to re-release “Final Koko”, which includes...]]>

The pioneering Swedish electronic band Cosmic Overdose is set to re-release “Final Koko”, which includes the first and last recordings the band made in English before they disbanded in 1981 and reformed as Twice A Man. Originally issued in early 1982 as a highly limited cassette, “Final Koko” has since become one of the rarest and most sought-after items in Sweden’s electro music scene.

Now, this album is being reissued via Progress Productions on November 22nd, remastered by Hans Olsson at Svenska Grammofonstudion in Gothenburg. As an added bonus, the re-release includes several remixes that were previously only available in digital format, offering fans a more comprehensive experience of the band’s final works as Cosmic Overdose.

About Cosmic Overdose

Cosmic Overdose was a pioneering Swedish electronic band formed in 1978 by Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben (Ingemar Ljungström). Both musicians came from experimental backgrounds in Sweden’s alternative music scene – Söderqvist from the psychedelic band Älgarnas Trädgård and Gasleben from the ambient group Anna Själv Tredje.

Initially a duo, the band expanded to include additional members before returning to its core trio by the time they recorded their first album, “Dada Koko” (1980). Their sound was a mix of electropunk, post-punk, and experimental electronic music, influenced by acts like Cabaret Voltaire and Joy Division​.

Cosmic Overdose released two studio albums, “Dada Koko” (1980) and “4668” (1981), before transforming into the synthpop group Twice a Man, which became one of the leading names in Swedish electronic music. Despite their short existence under the Cosmic Overdose name, they left a lasting impact on the Swedish electronic and post-punk scenes​.

In 2016, their work was revisited with the release of a 3CD box set, “Koko Total”, which included remastered albums, singles, and unreleased material​.

]]> Swedish synthwave artist Anna Öberg returns with ‘Mitt sista hopp’ single https://www.side-line.com/swedish-synthwave-artist-anna-oberg-returns-with-mitt-sista-hopp-single/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:43:47 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=42689 Out on April 28 is the all new single by the Swedish synthwave artist Anna...]]>

Out on April 28 is the all new single by the Swedish synthwave artist Anna Öberg. “Mitt sista hopp” is the first single from Anna Öberg’s fourth solo album, which will be released in autumn 2023. “Mitt sista hopp” is released on Xenophone International, the Gothenburg record company which releases music by Twice a Man and Lars Falk.

Anna Öberg explains that “the song reflects a country at war and a sad love story.” In the track folk tones are mixed with hard synths. Here’s the video for the single.

Anna Öberg, born 1965 in Helsingborg, is a Swedish musician known as a band member in the Ladomir synth group (which was formed in 1983 together with Kire Nilsson) and later as a solo artist. In February 1985, Öberg moved with the band to Gothenburg, where she is still active today. After a long musical break, she released her first solo album “Härsknar” in 2017.

Anna Öberg has released three albums since 2017, all of which have foundations in analogue synths from the 80s as well as flutes and vocals in Swedish. The production and mixing is in the hands of Charles Storm, also on this new single.

]]> Classic 80s music of Lars Falk from Twice a Man remastered https://www.side-line.com/classic-80s-music-of-lars-falk-from-twice-a-man-remastered/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:30:17 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=41846 Xenophone International presents the reissue of remastered classic 80s music by Gothenburg-based artist Lars Falk,...]]>

Xenophone International presents the reissue of remastered classic 80s music by Gothenburg-based artist Lars Falk, an influential figure in the Swedish synth-pop scene.

From 1981 to 1982, Lars Falk was an integral member of Twice a Man, contributing as a composer, lyricist, and performer on their debut album “Music for Girls” (1982). His solo career took off with the release of the cassette “Through” (1983), followed by the single “TV Eye”/”Doors” (1985). In 1988, his self-titled vinyl album “Lars Falk” was released on both Xenophone International and the German label Yellow, with a CD version hitting the shelves in 1994.

For quite some time, Lars Falk was immersed in creating soundtrack music for the interactive game “Entropia.” However, in 2018, he returned to his synth-pop roots, releasing a series of digital singles, including “Dog,” “Can Do Without You,” and “Lullaby for the Few.”

The first of Lars Falk’s 80s releases to be remastered for streaming platforms is his eponymous album. Co-produced with Karl Gasleben of Twice a Man in their studio at the former Renströmska badhuset, the album also features backing vocals by Tinna Möller, who played in the band Brand at the time. The new mastering is a collaborative effort between Lars Falk and Karl Gasleben.

Fans can look forward to the remastered version of the cassette “Through” coming soon. In the meantime, check out the first remastered release below and get ready to be transported back to the 80s.

]]> Brand new video from Swedish dark electronics act Twice A Man, ‘Dahlia’, tackles today’s uncertainty https://www.side-line.com/brand-new-video-from-swedish-dark-electronics-act-twice-a-man-dahlia-tackles-todays-uncertainty/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 14:59:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=41155 Swedish dark electronics act Twice A Man have released a video for their new track...]]>
Twice A Man announce 3-CD artbook compilation 'Songs of Future Memories (1982-2022)' and release new video for 'Decay'

Swedish dark electronics act Twice A Man have released a video for their new track “Dahlia”, which is featured on the 3CD and 72-page artbook compilation entitled “Songs of Future Memories (1982-2022)” that has been released on January 27.

The Swedes’ long-time artistic preoccupation with environmental issues is also reflected in the clip, which “contrasts the beauty of the natural world with the urban landscapes created by humanity” so the band says.

“The song ‘Dahlia’ is a reflection about our time,” Dan Söderqvist explains on behalf of the trio. “The world is getting darker and uncertain with wars, pandemics, and above all: climate change, environmental destruction, and through that a loss of biodiversity that is all caused by human activity. We experience a conflict between the outer world and an inner imaginary world. We need to feel comfort, and music at its best grants us that inner peace. Two new songs, ‘Lotus’ and ‘Dahlia’, were made to be included in our new compilation album ‘Songs of Future Memories’ and – in some respect – to epitomise the spirit of Twice a Man.”

The video is available below.

]]> Twice A Man announce 3-CD artbook compilation ‘Songs of Future Memories (1982-2022)’ and release new video for ‘Decay’ https://www.side-line.com/twice-a-man-announce-3-cd-artbook-compilation-songs-of-future-memories-1982-2022-and-release-new-video-for-decay/ Thu, 03 Nov 2022 17:56:21 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=39494 Swedish dark electronics act Twice A Man have announced a 3-CD and 72-page artbook compilation....]]>
Twice A Man announce 3-CD artbook compilation 'Songs of Future Memories (1982-2022)' and release new video for 'Decay'

Swedish dark electronics act Twice A Man have announced a 3-CD and 72-page artbook compilation. The anthology is entitled “Songs of Future Memories (1982-2022)” and is scheduled for release on January 27, 2023 on Dependent.

Singer, guitarist and synth player Dan Söderqvist says: “For the first time since 1987, a new collection of some of our finest works has been compiled. As the title suggests, once again we recall vivid memories of the past. As a band that has rarely looked back, we actually feel some satisfaction on seeing how it all comes together – although the compilation is covering such a long period of our musical career. Almost from the beginning, melancholic soundscapes, surreal lyrics, a romantic approach, and the importance of environmental awareness have provided the guidelines for our musical journey. On the other hand, at the core of Twice a Man’s songwriting lies also the critique of society, the alienation from the consumerist way of life in our Western world, which is also lacking in spiritual values. The perhaps most joyous part of creating ‘Songs of Future Memories’ has been the composing if two new songs, ‘Lotus’ and ‘Dahlia’. These are two flower children that once more emphasise the reflective mood, which is certainly our own. We have high expectations to present the world of Twice A Man to our long-time friends as well as new listeners. This release will hopefully provide many insights into our extended history.”

To coincide with the release a new lyric video clip for their track “Decay” has been made.

About Twice A Man

Twice a Man were formed in Gothenburg, Sweden and is comprised of Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben. The duo met in Gothenburg during the early 1970s when they played in the bands Älgarnas Trädgård and Anna Själv Tredje. Originally they formed a duo in 1978 as Cosmic Overdose.

After changing their name to Twice A Man in 1981, they released their first album, “Music for Girls”, in 1982. The group have consistently used synthesizers and electronic effects to create their theatrical and atmospheric soundscapes, and from 1984 they began to work with samplers.

The band has featured a variety of musicians in their line up, including long-time collaborator Jocke Söderqvist, who rejoined the group in 2013 for club and festival concerts based around some of their earlier works. They have also written music for theatre (including several works for the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm), television, film and radio. They also composed the soundtrack to the PlayStation video game “Kula World”.

In the early 1990s, Twice a Man created a side-project entitled The Butterfly Effect, an experimental electronic project which installed writer Zac O’ Yeah as light designer and Peter Davidson as musician and singer, releasing the album “Trip” in 1991.

They later continued as Twice a Man, but during the decade they decreased their production of studio albums and tours to concentrate on project-based work, often in collaboration with theatre, visual artists or companies.

Recent works by Twice a Man include the album, “Icicles”, released in April 2010, as well as a 50 minute ambient CD, “Costume Area”, which was released to coincide with the opening of a Charles Koroly exhibition at the Dansmuseet museum in Stockholm, for which they provided music and sound design.

Their most recent album, “On the Other Side of the Mirror”, was released in June 2020 in both CD and vinyl editions.

]]> Karin My – Silence Amygdala (Album – Ad Inexplorata) https://www.side-line.com/karin-my-silence-amygdala-album-ad-inexplorata/ Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=31351 Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop, Experimental, Ethereal-Pop. Format: Digital, CD. Background/Info: Karin My Andersson is a Swedish female...]]>

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop, Experimental, Ethereal-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Karin My Andersson is a Swedish female artist who did some vocals in different bands like Twice A Man, Coph Nia, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Fake Moss ao. She’s also involved with Gasleben & Electric Friends and now unleashed her official debut-album. I can’t speak about a real solo-work as multiple guests (musicians and vocalists) contributed to the writing and production of the work. The songs are based on poems of Karin My.

Content: “Silence Amygdala” sounds like an invitation to explore an imaginary world. It’s an evasive sonic trip revealing the fragile and emotive voice of the artist. On some of the songs she reminds me of the wafting sensation created by Enya. The basis of the songs have been composed by Electronics, but still featuring guitar, acoustic guitar, cello, flute ao. One of the most surprising cuts is the cover version of VNV Nation’s “Homeward”, which has been transposed into an acoustic guitar ballad.

+ + + : This album has something graceful. The artist didn’t spare any effort to achieve a mature production. Karin My’s poems have been masterly transposed into music and it’s the entire production, which has a poetic smell. The use of real instruments for sure partly creates this artistic sensation. The songs have something elevating creating the illusion of a feather driven through the wind. This work has something delicate and enlightening. “Winter Tree” and “Time To Go” both are beautiful songs.

– – – : The second part of the album is less convincing by the exception of the last (title)song. The VNV Nation cover version is an original one, but not totally fitting with the rest of the album.

Conclusion: This work feels like sunshine after the storm; a true relief, which sounds sweet and frail.

Best songs: “Winter Tree”, “Time To Go”, “Letter”, “Silence Amygdala”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.karinmy.net

Label: www.explorata.net / www.facebook.com/adinexplorata Read the news on ‘Silence Amygdala’.

About Karin My

Karin My is a Swedish vocalist who has contributed to Twice a Man, Coph Nia, Carbon Based Lifeforms and Fake Moss, and is also involved with Gasleben & Electric friends, according to Discogs.

“Silence Amygdala”, released on Ad Inexplorata in 2021, was her official debut album, built from her own poems and featuring multiple guest musicians and vocalists. It included a cover version of VNV Nation‘ “Homeward”, reworked as an acoustic guitar ballad.

]]> Swedish synthpop revelation Karin My launches debut album ‘Silence Amygdala’ on Ad Inexplorata label https://www.side-line.com/swedish-synthpop-revelation-karin-my-launches-debut-album-silence-amygdala-on-ad-inexplorata-label/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:55:03 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=30284 The last couple of years have seen a number of single releases by the Swedish...]]>
Swedish synthpop revelation Karin My launches debut album 'Silence Amygdala' on Ad Inexplorata label

The last couple of years have seen a number of single releases by the Swedish synthpop artist Karin My as a solo artist, accompanied by a string of experimental videos. She also created a number of so-called ‘audio sculptures’ for outdoor art installations during the period 2019 to 2020.

In the past few years we have seen Karin My as the 5th member of cold wave legends Twice a Man. She is also featured on various tracks by Carbon Based Lifeforms and she has performed the track “Winter Tree” on Swedish national TV in late December. And that’s not all, a streamed live concert, shot in October 2020, became the second most viewed video to date for the German Messed Up magazine.

And now the debut album from Karin My has arrived called “Silence Amygdala”. “Silence Amygdala” was written and recorded over several years in parallel with her work as a vocalist, both live and in the studio. Prominent collaborators on her debut include, among others, Twice a Man, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Fake Moss, Coph Nia, Sync24 and other artists. We were very much charmed by the lovely synthpop pearl “Winter Tree” which will please many Yazoo fans.

Here’s the full album on Spotify.

Check out the video for “Winter Tree” below. Read the review of ‘Silence Amygdala’.

]]> Swedish electronic music pioneer Gasleben unites with other Swedish electronic music musicians to form Gasleben & Electric friends https://www.side-line.com/swedish-electronic-music-pioneer-gasleben-unites-with-other-swedish-electronic-music-musicians-to-form-gasleben-electric-friends/ Thu, 29 Apr 2021 00:17:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=30249 Out via Xenophone International on May 14 is ”Spare parts for the offspring”, the new...]]>
Swedish electronic music pioneer Gasleben unites with other Swedish electronic music musicians to form Gasleben & Electric friends

Out via Xenophone International on May 14 is ”Spare parts for the offspring”, the new synthpop album from Gasleben & Electric friends. The driving force behind this project is Swedish electronic music pioneer Karl Gasleben who you might know from Twice a Man. Twice a Man was an electro act based in Gothenburg, Sweden which also had Dan Söderqvist behind the keyboards.

But back to the album ”Spare parts for the offspring”. The music for this new project was indeed a collaborative effort and was completed and recorded with the input from the other Swedish musicians Peter Davidson, Anna Öberg and Karin My. The album holds 8 tracks in total.

To get an idea what the project is about it’s also worth it checking out what the other artists in the project have been working on in the past.

For those who don’t know Karl Gasleben, here’s a small recap. Via the bands Anna Själv Tredje and Cosmic Overdose he ended up in Twice a Man. Besides Twice a Man he is still working with The Ändå and he is also a live musician in Anna Öberg’s live band Härsk. He was also active in the band The Butterfly Effect in 1991 and in Beehive Plains.

Peter Davidson from his side has collaborated with Twice a man in the past and also released a number of ambient instrumental works. Anna Öberg is better known to our readers since she was featured various times already on Side-Line. Starting in her birthplace Helsingborg, she is now active from Gothenburg and has released three solo albums: “Härsknar”, “Vafan har jag gjort!” and “Varelser inuti”. Karin My recently released her full-length debut “Silence Amygdala” which basically is a collection of very dark fairy tales.

Below is a first teaser from the album.

]]> ‘Click Interview’ with Circumpolar: ‘There Is So Much Great New Music Within Our Genre Yet To Discover’ https://www.side-line.com/click-interview-with-circumpolar-there-is-so-much-great-new-music-within-our-genre-yet-to-discover/ Sun, 29 Mar 2020 17:00:40 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=24228 Circumpolar is a Swedish duo driven by Jonas Mattson and Patrik Wallin. They last year...]]>

Circumpolar is a Swedish duo driven by Jonas Mattson and Patrik Wallin. They last year self-released their debut-EP “Until The End Of Time” and next got signed on Alfa Matrix, which re-released this work. The second EP “We Will Remain” was released nearly at the same time and revealed a more sophisticated sound approach. The intelligent sound treatments remind me a bit of bands such as Clock DVA, Haujobb and related formations. Circumpolar might be the next new sensation for all of those who like intelligent electronics!

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Circumpolar is a rather unknown name at the wider fields of electro-underground music so can you briefly introduce the band, the way you get contaminated by the ‘electronic virus’ and what were the original purposes when setting up Circumpolar?

Circumpolar: Circumpolar is a new Swedish dark-electro/wave act that consists of Jonas Mattsson and Patrik Wallin. We are old friends since way back in time. We started to make music together when we were about 18 years old, and then played in different bands for some years in the Northern part of Sweden. However, we never released any of that material on record. For years now we have been talking about getting back together again, and about two years ago we decided trying to make electronic music together again.

The purpose behind Circumpolar is to create interesting electronic music within our own conceptual format and sound, which hopefully will be enjoyed by people all over the world.

Q: The name of your band refers to astrology, but can you tell us a bit more about this name and the possible links with lyrical content and music style?

Patrik: The stars that circle around the celestial pole and never set below the horizon are called ‘circumpolarstars’. In ancient Egypt, the circumpolar stars in the Northern sky were called ‘jhmw-sk’, ‘the ones not knowing destruction’. The astronomical characteristics of these specific stars were used in numerous religious texts to express immortality and eternity, for example:

‘O uplifted one (i.e. the Pharaoh), being great among the circumpolar stars. You have not perished, you star of eternity’ (a citation from the so-called Pyramid Texts, 2300 BC)

I studied a lot of ancient history at university, and I have a PhD degree in Egyptology. Sometimes I use the imagery and concepts of life/death and space/time from ancient Egyptian religion in my lyrics.   

Q: Referring to the music style and/or the ‘sound’ properly speaking, I experienced your work as a fusion between different genres and influences; EBM, IDM, ambient, dark-electro… How do you perceive your own sound? Can you tell us a bit more about potential sources of inspiration? References? And how did the song writing happened?

Circumpolar: Bands like Skinny Puppy, Front 242, The Klinik, Twice A Man, Kraftwerk, The Neon Judgement and Portion Control have always been sources of inspiration to us. Further, The Fields Of The Nephilim, The Sisters Of Mercy, Swans, The Cure, Joy Division, Rome and Dead Can Dance are bands that we both like a lot.

Both of us are still buying lots of records and we constantly discover new electronic and dark-electro artists. There is so much great new music within our genre yet to discover.

We like to think that we somehow have created mix between EBM, dark-electro and dark wave/goth. However, this was not the intention when we started the band, it just happened.

The process of creating new songs usually starts with an instrumental loop or just single sample, which we successively develop into a song.

Q: You last year self-released the debut EP “Until The End Of Times” -which got next re-released on Alfa Matrix, plus another EP “We Will Remain”. Can you briefly analyze both EP’s? Was there a particular focus in writing and production? And how did you get the deal with Alfa Matrix?

Circumpolar: The first song we recorded as Circumpolar was “The Rain Will Burn” from the first EP, and then we realized that we had created a musical concept and sound that we really liked. After that moment, it was very easy to continuing writing new songs. 

On the “Until The End Of Time”-EP the foundation of our sound was built, whereas on the “We Will Remain”-EP the sound and concept evolved into something that will be even more present on our future releases.

We sent the songs from our first EP along with the songs to the “We Will Remain”-EP to about 15 different record labels. We got some offers, but when we got a positive response from Alfa Matrix we were overwhelmed.  

Q: I think there’s an interesting evolution in writing and production between both EP’s; “We Will Remain” being definitely more elaborated and subtle, reminding me to bands such as Haujobb, Mentallo & The Fixer and Clock DVA. What does it say about your approach, studio equipment and your own evolution as musicians?

Circumpolar: On the second EP we have worked more with the vocals, and experimented a bit more with reverb, delay and other effects, trying to create a more dynamic and atmospheric experience. The structures of the songs are also a bit different compared to the first EP. Further, we spent much more time on mixing and mastering.

We have bought a lot of new gear since we recorded the first EP, for example a Korg Minilouge XD, the fantastic Strymon Big Sky Reverb, and some Roland drum machines.

Q: I think you’re back again in studio, so I can imagine there’s an album in the pipeline? What brings the future and what might we expect regarding topics such as image, social media activity and live performances?

Circumpolar: For the moment, we are recording new songs for a forthcoming album release. We are constantly producing loads of loops and outtakes, but now we have selected about nine songs out of that material to be finalized for an album.  

It is quite possible that there will be some social media activities prior to our next releases, perhaps some live performances from the studio…

Yes, we will definitely play live in the future.  

]]> The Negativity Bias – Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat (CD Album – Audiophob) https://www.side-line.com/the-negativity-bias-fortes-fortuna-adiuvat-cd-album-audiophob/ Wed, 01 Jan 2020 19:30:48 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=23079 Genre/Influences: IDM, techno, industrial. Background/Info: Chris Dupont (real name Christoph Lemke) is for sure more...]]>

Genre/Influences: IDM, techno, industrial.

Background/Info: Chris Dupont (real name Christoph Lemke) is for sure more recognized as a member of the dark-electro and EBM-driven formations MRDTC and NordarR… but he’s also involved with a few more projects such as The Negativity Bias. Three years after the debut album “Whatever You Want” he’s back on track unleashing eight new songs.

Content: The songs are moving on where the previous album left off. Chris Dupont deals with a meticulous mix of IDM, techno, trance and industrial. The work sounds pretty diversified because of the multiple influences while each song is driven by repetitive sequences joined by extra sounds. A ghost atmosphere is supporting some cuts. Most of the songs are driven by a slow cadence.

+ + + : The songs are slowly built up and that’s also why they’re rather long. Chris Dupont takes care to elaborate his music and appears to be a real sonic master chef when it comes to merge different styles together. I especially like the debut of the work featuring great pieces such as “Twice A Man” and “Again Again Again”, but I also enjoyed the cold-techno resonating “Seven Samurai”, which is one of the last songs.

– – – : A few tracks are characterized by an experimental touch, which is a bit less accessible (cf. “Before The 666”, “The Sixth Son”).

Conclusion: The Negativity Bias makes me think of an imaginary sonic label where different music genres are distilled getting a fine and exciting result related to IDM or call it intelligent techno.

Best songs: “Twice A Man”, “Again Again Again”, “Seven Samurai”, “4 The Squad”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/negativitybias

Label: www.audiophob.de / www.facebook.com/audiophob

About The Negativity Bias

Chris Dupont is the alias of German musician Christoph Lemke, who also records as half of NordarR, the duo he formed with André Schitteck in 2010; NordarR debuted live at the Wave-Gotik-Treffen in 2011, and their most recent album under that name, “Alles Auf Null,” arrived in 2017. “Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat” follows The Negativity Bias’ debut, “Whatever You Want,” released three years earlier.

]]> ‘Click Interview’ with Dive: ‘My Wish Is To Continue Another 3 Years And Celebrate 30 Years Of Dive On Stage’ https://www.side-line.com/click-interview-with-dive-my-wish-is-to-continue-another-3-years-and-celebrate-30-years-of-dive-on-stage/ Sun, 25 Jun 2017 17:00:06 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=11422 It’s now 27 years ago that Dirk Ivens (the legendary singer of The Klinik) took...]]>

It’s now 27 years ago that Dirk Ivens (the legendary singer of The Klinik) took the world by surprise unleashing the self-titled debut album “DIVE”. The sound revealed a heavy, industrial and unpolished production mixed with  charismatic vocals. This work was the debut of a successful career featuring numerous great albums and essential songs. The music remained dark and industrial, but still featuring electronic treatments. But after the “Behind The Sun”-album (2004) the fans had to wait for 13 years to get new studio material. “Underneath” has been released on Out Of Line and is featuring good-old guest contributor Ivan Iusco (Nightmare Lodge and owner of Minus Habens Records) and Rafael M. Espinosa (Geistform) who already collaborated on “Behind The Sun”.

You can order the latest Dive releases right here on vinyl.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Did you ever thought to come back with a new Dive-album and what was the ‘click’ to start working again on new stuff?

Dirk: . After the definitive chapter to stop The Klinik from my side and the decision to take a long break with Absolute Body Control after the intensive touring, I suddenly realized I had all the time of the world to work in all quietness and peace on a new DIVE album. People asked me for years about new material and I realized it was more than a decade ago since the last album “Behind The Sun”.

Q: What kind of album did you’d in mind (sound- & lyrical wise) when starting the composition of “Underneath”?

Dirk: The ingredients are always the same; dark atmospheric electronics with a haunting voice. Of course there was a lot happening in the world during the last decade. We got confronted with terrorism, which is heavy cutting in the minds of Western people. The world will never be the same as we knew it and I try to capture that image and feelings also in my lyrics.

Q: You asked Ivan Iusco and Rafael M. Espinosa to help a hand. What’s the real impact of both musicians on “Underneath”, which according to me became your most accomplished album ever?

Dirk: As a non-musician I like to work together with other people otherwise every album would sound like the first DIVE record. With Ivan I used to work a lot in the past and with Rafael I collaborated on the last one. This time I asked them both to send music in the style that would fit in the DIVE concept, we discussed about the tracks and made changes where needed, I wrote the lyrics and did the singing. Beside that I also composed a few tracks and this way of working is perfect because this brings variety in sound and structures and keeps it very interesting. On stage DIVE is and will always be a one man project, but on recordings I always worked together with others.

Q: “Underneath” also sounds as a refreshing work and a kind of antidote to all dark-electro and industrial-like bands which all sound pretty similar to each other. What’s your perception of the ‘scene’ today?

Dirk: I don’t listen that much to other electronic bands because there is not much development in that genre, everything has been already done thousands times before. Originality is the keyword, bands like Twice A Man or Portion Control are still making excellent albums, but most of the younger generation sounds like a copy of Nitzer Ebb or DAF, really not my thing. For the “Underneath” album I went to a factory and recorded the banging noise on my discman, just like during the old days. So, be creative instead of using all the same sounds.

Q: I noticed there’re 27 (!) years between your self-titled debut-album and “Underneath”. How would you analyze the evolution of Dive throughout the years and what does it mean to you as an artist/performer?

Dirk: The very first DIVE gig was indeed in 1990, it’s unbelievable how time runs fast. For me music is the red wire in life, I feel like a fortunate person who could do musically what I wanted to do with all of my projects. I have seen a lot of technologic changes, from recording on two track tape desks to digital with all formats in between. The world changed and so do I, my wish is to continue another 3 years and celebrate 30 years of DIVE on stage, a nice way to end this story, right?

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

]]> A★I – Le Chant Du Cygne Noir (CD Album – Unknown Pleasures Records) https://www.side-line.com/a%e2%98%85i-le-chant-du-cygne-noir-cd-album-unknown-pleasures-records/ Wed, 13 Jul 2016 20:00:01 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=7234 Genre/Influences: Dark-pop. Background/Info: My first feeling was that this band was the logical new project...]]>

Genre/Influences: Dark-pop.

A★I – Le Chant Du Cygne NoirBackground/Info: My first feeling was that this band was the logical new project of Pedro Peñas Robles after the end of Adan & Ilse. The band name clearly appears to be inspired from his previous band he was involved with Usher (Norma Loy).  A★I was set up in 2015 by Pedro (vocals) and Philippe Merry aka Phllox (producer). The band claims to be inspired by dark-pop artists and refers to Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, Laiback and even Lassigue Bendthaus.

Content: The sound is a bit different from the body-pop minimalism of Adan & Ilse although there clearly is a link in the global sound approach. There indeed is a link with some aforementioned bands –and especially Depeche Mode, but still with Kraftwerk and even Vangelis. This work mixes good-old standards with a unique sound production, which clearly experiments with new ideas.

“Le Chant Du Cygne Noir” sounds vintage-like, but still ambient-like. The production reveals phenomenal, deep resonating bass lines and haunting atmospheres. Cold sequences and sterile vocals reactivate the good-old 80s spirit while the surprising cover version of “Ashes To Ashes” featuring Dan Söderqvist on guitar (known from Twice A Man) has been remarkably transposed into the sonic universe of A★I. I know that Pedro Peñas Robles is a fan of David Bowie so in the end this cover version is not totally surprising, but the way the song has been reworked and adapted is really worthy of examination.

+ + + : You really have to listen a few time to this album to fully seize the judicious mix of influences which will remind you of Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk on one side and the personal sound input on the other. It’s an efficient balance resulting in an open-minded work, which clearly appears the start of a new adventure for Unknown Pleasures Records owner Pedro Peñas Robles.

– – – : This album clearly is not the most accessible electro-pop release. It even makes me think to a reaction against familiar electro-pop standards, which are constantly repeating themselves. So in the end I would say that the main strength of this work also is the main point and reason for classical electro-pop lovers to turn their back on this band.

Conclusion: A★I clearly sounds like a challenge when it comes to convince electro-pop lovers, but it more sounds like a nice addition and alternative to electro-pop for all of those who are bored with endless emulations of Depeche Mode and co.

Best songs: “We Are One Nation”, “Sin Of Sin”, “Goodbye Lady Red”, “A Secret”, “Dark Stars”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/havoc2027

Label: www.unknown–pleasures–records.com /  www.facebook.com/Unknown–Pleasures–Records-566180440115465

]]> Twice A Man – Presence (CD Album – XenoPhone International) https://www.side-line.com/twice-a-man-presence-cd-album-xenophone-international/ Fri, 05 Feb 2016 09:24:56 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=4965 Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, ambient-pop. Background/Info: Twice A Man is a veteran from the Swedish electro-pop scene....]]>
Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, ambient-pop. Twice A ManBackground/Info: Twice A Man is a veteran from the Swedish electro-pop scene. They are no longer releasing new productions like before, but the new album appears to be a special one. Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben are joined again by Jocke Söderqvist who left the band during the 80s. Content: The new work features an interesting twist of influences, which are moving past simply synth-pop music. The debut part sounds pretty bombastic and into industrial components while a divine, mystic passage is noticed at “A Time Of Terror”. The album progressively evolves towards a more ambient format of electro-pop music. It sometimes moves into film music and dark reverie accompanied by clear and passionate vocals. The songs have been carried by a slow cadence and often accomplished by guitar. There are a few beautiful songs at the end of the album and I especially refer to the final songs accompanied by female backing vocals. ↑↑↑: I like the dreamy and elevating sensation of the songs. The few industrial components bring some of the songs into a rougher approach are really interesting. ↓↓↓ : Some passages remain a bit flat and without a real climax. Conclusion: “Presence” is an interesting pop-driven work revealing a wider arsenal of influences. Best songs: “High In The Clouds”, “Here Comes The Rain”, “A Time Of Terror”. Rate: (DP:7)DP. Band: www.twiceaman.com / www.facebook.com/Twice-a-Man-140698385994037 Label: www.explorata.net / www.facebook.com/Ad-Inexplorata-361838160540139

Read the news on ‘Presence’.

]]> Close Circuit Connection II gathers rare/unreleased material from Die Krupps, Numb, … https://www.side-line.com/close-circuit-connection-ii-gathers-rareunreleased-material-from-die-krupps-numb/ Wed, 28 Oct 2015 18:01:02 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=3167 Available now on vinyl is a selection of rare and unreleased material by such famous...]]>

Close Circuit Connection II gathers rare/unreleased material from Die Krupps, Numb, ...

Available now on vinyl is a selection of rare and unreleased material by such famous 80s electro bands as Click Click, Die Form, Numb, Borghesia, Front Line Assembly, Twice a Man, T21, etc. 10 tracks in total.

This vinyl collectors limited edition has been pressed on 500 hand-numbered copies, 180 gram vinyl, with no re-press scheduled. So better place your order now as these items are going fast.

The complete track list:

A1 Click Click – Nube (Remastered 2001)
A2 Die Form – Tecknoslaves (Unreleased Demo 1989)
A3 Crash Course In Sience – In Your Own Backyard (Unreleased Demo 1981)
A4 Numb – Push It (Rare Track From: VA-Operation Beatbox – 1996)
A5 Borghesia – Secret Affair No.4 (Unreleased 1984)

B1 Front Line Assembly – Resuraction (Ultra Rare Track From: VA-Electronic – 1985)
B2 Twice A Man – Cloud Sky Damage Version One (Unreleased Demo For “Driftwood” Album 1987)
B3 Die Krupps – Tod & Teufel (Live In Amsterdam 20 Feb 1982)
B4 Carlos Perón – A Dirty Song – Long Version (Unreleased 1988)
B5 Trisomie 21 – Youth Called To Edge Remix (Unreleased Version 1990)

]]> Swedish cult act Twice a Man returns with ‘Presence’ on vinyl & CD – order your copy now, limited edition only https://www.side-line.com/swedish-cult-act-twice-a-man-returns-with-presence-on-vinyl-cd-order-your-copy-now-limited-edition-only/ Tue, 27 Oct 2015 17:13:35 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=3097 Legendary Swedish electronic pioneers Twice a Man return with their first pop album since “Icicles”...]]>
Swedish cult act Twice a Man returns with 'Presence' on vinyl & CD - order your copy now, limited edition onlyLegendary Swedish electronic pioneers Twice a Man return with their first pop album since “Icicles” (2010), featuring for the first time since 1986 Jocke Söderqvist back in the re-united line-up. Jocke Söderqvist had already rejoined his old band for a few club and festival gigs in 2014. The new album “Presence” will be out on vinyl & CD (order this limited edition release right now) and will also feature Karin My (Coph Nia, Hype, Carbon based Life Forms…) on 3 tracks. Twice a Man hail from Gothenburg, Sweden and consist of Dan Söderqvist and Karl Gasleben (born Ingemar Ljungström). The duo was formed in 1978 as Cosmic Overdose. After changing their name to their current title in 1981, Twice a Man released their first album, “Music for Girls”, in 1982. The act has collaborated with numerous musicians, mainly with Jocke Söderqvist (who now returns to the line-up), and has released numerous albums. Strangely enough the band is best known outside of Sweden for composing the soundtrack to the computer game “Kula World”. The group released their most recent album, “Icicles”, in April 2010. Their most recent work is a 50 minute ambient CD, “Costume Area”, which was released to coincide with the opening of a Charles Koroly exhibition at the Dansmuseet museum in Stockholm, for which they provided music and sound design. Never heard of the band before? Check “Decay”, taken from the 1987 release “Collection Of Stones (Selected Works 1982 – 87)”.

Read the review of ‘Presence’.

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