SØS Gunver Ryberg’s Entangled straddles the frontier between techno and noise; a collection of tracks which entertain as effortlessly as they challenge. The album hosts as many moments of extremity as it does fragile beauty. For long-time fans of Ryberg, the power and aggression of this work will come as no surprise. But some will be taken aback by its melodic tendencies.
'The Presence_Eurydike' is possibly the most gentle track Ryberg has ever produced, soaked through with divine, almost orchestral sounds. Most tracks on Entangled are dry, sharp, and brittle; petrified frogs. This one is still leaping around in the morning dew.
That's not to criticise anything else on here. Ryberg keeps everything at the limit, at the breaking point. But while uncomfortable, Entangled never becomes an endurance test. You keep wanting to turn everything up — not down.
The album ends on a high with 'Silver Thread'. It's a throwback to early electroacoustic music, with a soft drone that adds wonderful tension. It isn't that too-easy-to-evoke feeling of dread that so many electronic musicians are in love with. It's something more complex; anticipation, uncertainty. 'Silver Thread' punctuates Entangled with a question mark. And as it fades out, surrounded by its mystery, you will be desperate for more.
Entangled is available for purchase and streaming here.
Words by Andrew O’Keefe