CD Review: Peter Bjärgö - The Architecture of Melancholy

Written by Hemi Malkki Sunday, 22 January 2012 15:09

Artist: Peter Bjärgö
Title: The Architecture of Melancholy
Genre: Ethereal Dark Wave
Release Date: 21st December 2011
Label: Cyclic Law

Album Review

Friends of neoclassical, martial and dark ambient have become to know PETER BJÄRGÖ as the mastermind behind Arcana and Sophia. 2009 saw the first release of his solo project, 'A Wave of Bitterness'. His second solo album, 'The Architecture of Melancholy' was released at the winter solstice of 2011. Besides backing vocals provided by former ARCANA singer Ida Bengtsson, it is a sole creation of Bjärgö, from composition and playing all the instruments to mixing the album. 'The Architecture of Melancholy' follows along the lines of its predecessor and partly also those of ARCANA, differing from the latter by its introspective nature and Bjärgö's excellent, emotive vocals being in the forefront. Common elements to both are Bjärgö's skilled, rather minimalistic composition and well-thought arrangements.

Despite bleak lyrics, 'The Architecture of Melancholy' is serene and more contented than its predecessor. Upbeat drumming, prominent on some of the tracks on 'A Wave of Bitterness', is mostly absent - instead, Bjärgö is utilising guitars more than previously, occasionally venturing to the direction of shoe-gaze. Even faint echoes of psychedelic/progressive rock can be heard. I could imagine that 'A Wave of Bitterness' might have the potential to attract wider audience, even though the difference to Bjärgö's previous work is very subtle. 'The Architecture of Melancholy' is a slow journey into the depths of the mind - perfect companion for those long winter days when dusk seems to fall before the dawn has broken...


Tracklist

01. The Architecture of Melancholy - 6:47
02. Bitteresque - 4:44
03. Hidden Compass - 3:59
04. Apathy - 5:08
05. A Wheel of Thoughts . 4:05
06. The Death of Our Sun - 5:24
07. Sleep_Dep.Loop1 - 10:12


Line-up

Peter Bjärgö


Website

http://www.myspace.com/mrbjargo/music


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 10
Extras: -
Total: 9