by Ben Hogwood

Today brings soothing new music from Danish group Efterklang, in the form of a collaboration with Sønderjysk Pigekor (South Denmark Girls’ Choir), who the band have collaborated with frequently over the last twelve years.

Speaking on the track, Efterklang vocalist Casper Clausen comments: “This piece originated in my little studio in Lisbon. In the early stages of the process, I shared numerous sketches with the others, and this one stood out. As we began to develop it further, we often played it together with the girls’ choir, Sønderjysk Pigekor, from our hometown. Their addition brought a whole gospel vibe to the track, which I found incredibly appealing. I was struck by how their voices seemed to lift the composition into another realm, creating a sense of expansiveness that no instrument or single voice could achieve. I’m singing about being alone, clinging to the stone, kissing oneself to the bone, deep in the heart of the soul.”

The accompanying video was directed by Søren Lynggaard and the band’s Rasmus Stolberg, portraying the members of the choir. Stolberg says: “The video is an homage to the choir who are featured on ‘Animated Heart’ and have given us so many unforgettable musical memories. Inspired by the scenes of ticket lines in Jem Cohen’s Fugazi documentary, we met with the choir to film the video on May 29, 2024. We are honoured to have the choir featured in the song and video, and we are inspired by the hope they bring for the future.”

This is the third single from the band’s forthcoming album Things We Have In Common, which is set for release on September 27, 2024 on City Slang. The band will tour extensively in support of the album throughout the Autumn and Winter, including a show at London’s Barbican on October 5th.

Published post no.2,213 – Tuesday 18 June 2024