Icelandic post-punk trio Kaelan Mikla’s fourth album,
Undir Koldum Nordurljosum (Under Northern Lights), is another dose of their
awarding winning, bewitching, and cinematic post punk. The trio, who really
know how to set a mood, sweep you further into their world of folklore, myth
and magic. It has a certain dark, enticing vibe, which draws you right in. It’s
no wonder they were handpicked by Robert Smith to be one of the openers at the
Cure’s 40th Anniversary show a few years back. They just have a certain “it
factor”, when it comes to producing goth-influenced post-punk. Undir Koldum
Nordurljosm, opens with the mood setting track, “Svort Augu”, which features
layered synths, downbeat programmed drumbeats and whispered vocals to draw the
listener right back into their world. “Solstodur” features more of the same
bewitching vibe, but adds blood curdling screams into the mix, while “Osynileg”
is the most “pop” song on the album, featuring danceable beats, and catchy
hooks. (This isn’t to say that the rest of the songs don’t feature dance beats
and hooks, it’s just on this one, they are pushed more to the forefront.)
“Sirenur”, the longest song on the album at 7:06, is a stunning, slow burn of cinematic post
punk. Alcest mainman Neige, and drummer Winterhalter, guest on “Hvtir
Sandar”, Neige contributes guitar and
vocals while Winterhalter adds percussion. Their contributions to this track
are subtle, as Neige’s guitar comes in later in the song, adding an extra layer
of mood, to the already chilly track. It’s the perfect pairing of two artists
who might be sonically different, but share a similar vibe and aesthetic. Undir
Koldum Norduljosm, is another fantastic album from this band, which continues
to find new ways to thrill and amaze which each new album. On this one, they
deliver the dark, post-punk goods you crave, once again, proving they know how
to hook listeners with their bewitching sounds. In fact it provides the perfect
soundtrack for this time of year. So, forget the light, and give in to their
dark, bewitching, nocturnal music.