In alignment with the definition of their new album’s title (an Italian word for the contrast between light and dark in artwork), Swedish duo I Break Horses have shed some light on the dark shoegaze sound of their debut album, 2011’s Hearts. With the emphasis now shifting to smooth, heady synthpop, it’s the uptempo numbers on Chiaroscuro that grab you on first listen, such as the techno throb of Faith and the instantly accessible Denial.
But repeated listens bring the more reflective, less beat-driven songs to the fore; pulsating, atmospheric ballads like Medicine Brush and Disclosure are reminiscent of Goldfrapp’s seductive debut, Felt Mountain. Beneath all the buzzing synths and scattershot beats are some deceptively simple and direct songs. It’s the more expansive numbers that simmer along and explore a sense of space but without much in the way of chiaroscuro contrasting that resonate the most strongly.
Maria Lindén and Fredrik Balck seem to still be exploring and finding their sound, and the mysterious song titles and lyrics on this record do little to lift the veil on the band’s true selves. But there’s little that’s puzzling about their spare, eloquent fusion of electronic music and dreampop, especially when it’s cast in pleasingly subtle shades.
BY CHRIS GIRDLER
Best Track: Ascension
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Feel It Break AUSTRA, Interiors GLASSER, Felt Mountain GOLDFRAPP
In A Word: Graceful
