SØS Gunver Ryberg - Spine (Arterial, 2023)
Finely detailed sounds and a sonic palette that evokes futuristic atmospheres make it clear that SØS Gunver Ryberg develops soundtracks for games and dance performances, among other things. On ‘SPINE’, the Danish tone poet, best known for her driving noise and abstract techno, delivers a hopeful sonic tale that strips futurism of its dystopian soul with techno beats, cross rhythms, frequent arpeggios and cosmic ambient. SPINE” is a collection of vibrant colours that flow into each other like a lava lamp. But one that shines even brighter. A record that immediately reveals itself with the opening track ‘Unfolding’. The breaks on title track ‘Spine’ criss-cross each other, while disorientating synth lines make a vague attempt at grasping. The lack of structured beats to latch on to makes you feel lost at first. With each listen, the magic of the sounds unfolds. ‘Sensuous Sky’ is a seductive synth hypnosis. The songs stand on their own. Mirrored Madness’, the outstanding ‘Phosphorus Cycle’ and the closing track ‘Levitating Fluid’ take the lead. The rhythms continue to play a bizarre synchronised ball game where gravity has no control. Witness ‘Where do we go from here’, which continues to wander, dangling yet balanced. SPINE’ pulls you in without being loud. It is an album that, given the chance, will seduce you with its beauty. Meanwhile, SØS Gunver Ryberg sprinkles four-four techno beats over ‘Out of the Shadows’. The record breaks. The end is in sight. As soon as the swelling ambient flight ‘Levitating Fluid’ fades to silence, we simply play ‘SPINE’ again.
Released on Arterial,