Biosphere – Shortwave Memories

Fantastic album . One to lose yourself in . Analogue electronic at its best .

With a knack for creating and shaping loops, a penchant for peculiar samples taken from sci-fi sources, the length and breadth of Jenssen's discography is testament to his talent.

Seizing the moment and delivered an absolute delight in the shape of “Shortwave Memories”, these 8 tracks of subtle shape shifting Electronica effortlessly hold the attention. Having chosen to ditch software and computers, swapping to a fully analogue set up comprised of synths, drum machines and effects units. Jenssen states his main inspiration for this latest project was the post-punk era electronics of Daniel Miller and Matin Hannett.

What might initially feel like a ing reference, he has ended up delivering a less dancefloor-focused take on the sound he made his name with during the early 90s. And, the results are nothing short of brilliant, drawing on the highly evocative framework 70s and 80s equipment has to offer – without falling into any particular trap.

Far from being an exercise in rehashing some sort of nostalgic new age rave trip, this is clearly an attempt to conjure up the new. Underpinned by simple and steady drum programming throughout, you’re met with shimmering alien landscapes amidst the hum of machines, as evolving padded melodies and snake like arpeggiations fill the spaces in between. Letting you stew in the sparse and cavernous nature of what is almost a new wave take on dub.

From the opening rhythmic filters and ice cold melodies of “Tanß”, the errie nodes of “Night Shift” balance out throbbing low-end with gently modulated pads. Notwithstanding the sheer weight of “Formanta” as Jenssen hits his mission home with a certain majesty. The title track hits a similar notes again, with slow motion synths circling around swung rhythm and sci-fi strings. Last but not least, closing track “Transfigured Express” seems to have absorbed the style and bump of modern era bass music, yet remains fully welded to a claustrophobic drone like palette he slowly lets unfold over 15 or so minutes.

geir i love you but can you stop packaging yr cds like vinyl records 🥺🥺🥺

Really digging this album. Some Tangerine, vangelist, dreamesque vibes in there. 100% biosphere.

Wow, this is the best Biosphere in years, a massive burbling of unusual counterpoint that builds and builds! 10 stars, classic!