Review: Laid Back – Cosyland EP
Published on May 22nd, 2012 | Jonny Abrams
An EP’s worth of improvised material unearthed from 1981, Cosyland works as an ideal introduction to the Danish electronic duo who count Prince, MGMT and Michael Mayer amongst their fans.
The title track is utterly sublime, felty and friendly electro-pop – okay, three parts electro to one part pop – that shuffles along on a gentle groove while hosting a warm, wonderfully restrained and borderline sleepy vocal. As with each of the tracks here the rhythm section is kept fairly minimal, making room for psychedelic flickers of benevolent noise to pop up hither and thither in the mix – this could be described as chill-out, but in a good way rather than the ‘Ministry of Sound compilation’ way.
“Get Laid Back” introduces harsher electro snaps but remains a colourful, multi-textured and thoroughly sensual listen, incorporating a steel drum and soft yet emphatic repetition of the title, which doubles up as good advice and a good sales pitch. “Cocaine Cool – Extended Vol2” sounds like a popping ‘n’ fizzing early-’80s precursor to Beaucoup Fish-era Underworld, its rubbery synth bass and ray gun sounds keeping proceedings playful despite the prevailing late-night feel.
“101 Part Two” starts off sounding as if it could break into “Macarena” at any moment but mercifully takes on a nocturnal groove before suddenly speeding up and then riding out on electric piano ambience. Finally we are presented with a five-minute version of “Cosyland”, but by now we’ve heard all we need to and very much like it. Tim Stahl and John Guldberg, a belated welcome to Rocksucker’s heart, mind and frame of reference!
Rocksucker says: Three and a Half Quails out of Five!
Cosyland EP is out now on Brother Music. For more information, please visit www.laidback.dk
About the Author
Jonny Abrams Editor of Rocksucker and the website's founder, Jonny is passionate about the music he listens to, both good and bad, as well as interviewing his favourite musicians.
