2012 repress, originally released 2010; deluxe gatefold vinyl version. "Olafur Arnalds' highly-anticipated second full-length album ...And They Have Escaped The Weight Of Darkness continues his mission to lure an indie-generation of pop and rock fans into an emotive world of beguiling electronic chamber music and delicate, classical arrangements. The sense of an organic crossover recording is reinforced by the involvement of co-producer Baroi Johannsson of eccentric pop/rock/electronica-formation Bang Gang. Baroi has successfully colored the brittle minimalism of previous releases through the addition of an array of new instruments. Those expecting a mere continuation of the minimal melancholia of his previous albums are therefore in for a surprise, as the record may be the most uplifting and richly-orchestrated work of his career. When Olafur saw how the opening scene of a Hungarian indie film metaphorically described a solar eclipse, he instantly connected it to the concept, naming the album after a key line of the film's introductory monologue. Born in the suburban Icelandic town of Mosfellsbaer, a few kilometers outside of Reykjavik, the composer has always enjoyed pushing boundaries with both his studio work and his live-shows. His new opus is set to again challenge his fan base, which is still growing rapidly. Several of these pieces were written on and off throughout his tour and benefit directly from the intensity of the live situation and the emotional roller-coaster-ride of life on the road. On the other hand, it is the result of meticulous studio work, of refining compositions in close co-operation with compatriot Baroi Johannsson, known for his eccentric personality and unique electro-acoustic sound. The enthusiasm translates to arrangements displaying a new sense of sonic diversity. Olafur Arnalds has created an even more open and spacious sound and taken his distinct style to a new level. Compared to his previous works, ...And They Have Escaped The Weight Of Darkness makes use of diverse instrumentation -- drums, guitars, voice, Rhodes, a selection of subtle synthesizers, alongside Arnalds' trademark piano as well as Tony Levin on bass. Traditional terminologies become void on his latest offering, which blends contrasting elements into an original, entirely organic new language and a sensitive ballet of the mind. Arnalds' fusion of 21st-century electronics and classical vocabulary thereby continues to decisively unwrap the sealed-off world of classical music. Includes full-color 8-panel insert and MP3 download code.
