Album Review: Svarta Stugen – Islands / Öar (WOOAAARGH)

Gothenburg epic soundscape explorers Svarta Stugan present Islands / Öar, a musical journey running in the vein of atmospheric groups like Earth and Mogwai, in places touching on cinematic composers such as Philip Glass or Ennio Morricone.

It will be released on December 14th 2018 via WOOAAARGH.

A gorgeous post-rock soundtrack, Svarta Stugan have crafted an album that is all about emotional journeys and perspective on life. Seven tracks that lift the spirits and leave a warm glow behind once the final tones fade out.

It is very cinematic sounding and each track conjures up scenes that will have some deeper meaning on a personal level. Maybe Islands III makes you think of tired days and satisfied sleeps. Maybe Islands Unknown makes you think of lost loved ones or maybe Inner Space takes you down a darker road.

Regardless of what you take from Islands / Öar, it will touch you on a deeper level. To say Svarta Stugan are musically competent fails to do their post-rock abilities justice. There is an incredible level of talent in this band with excellent use of synth adding haunting sounds to an already wondrous soundscape.

Not sold? Then the combo of Islands V’s short guitar glory and the tear-jerking Islands I will do the job. The latter is arguably the album’s finest moment as it begins with such haunting melody before the drums and bass take over giving it a slightly more frantic tone.

You really couldn’t expect anymore from Svarta Stugan but they deliver an absolute masterclass in post-rock melody with Islands II afterwards.

Svarta Stugan – Islands / Öar Full Track Listing:

1. Islands III
2. Islands Unknown
3. Inner Space
4. Islands V
5. Islands I
6. Islands II
7. Prospects/Quatsi

The album can be ordered via Bandcamp and via WOOAAARGH here. Keep up to date with news by liking the band’s Facebook Page, Instagram as well as stream their music on YouTube and Soundcloud.