Efterklang - Live
[Glasgow Arches]

An air of anticipation preceded Efterklang’s arrival, as journalists and fans alike marvelled at the lavish arrangement of instruments on Glasgow ’s Arches stage. Just what was in store for us? How on earth do this Danish octet present masterpieces like “Horseback Tenors” and “Frida Found a Friend” in a live setting.

Within seconds of opener “Ploygone” any doubts were washed away, as it was apparent that Efterklang are something truly special. With all male members’ impossibly thin and bearing strange facial hair, all (except their token female bandmate) arrived on stage dressed in matching black and silver stage clothes. Dancing around the platform, pulling instruments from the floor and their pockets, “Polygone” sounded totally note perfect, not one beat missed within its complex arrangement. Yet it still retained an organic live edge.

Totally theatrical, frontman Casper Clausen’s humble presence was greatly appreciated by the Glasgow audience as he directed his band through an outstanding “Himmelbjerget” and the inherently beautiful arrangement of harmonies that is “Caravan”. With a pitch perfect sound system that captured every single ounce of sound. Efterklang, clearly impressed by The Arches as a venue, ensured that they filled every inch of the hall with their colourful sound.

Their beguiling mix of styles sees them blend glitch electronica with bombastic orchestration, theatrical harmonies and traditional folk and tracks such as “Jojo”, “Towards the Bare Hill” and “Horseback Tenors” sent wave after wave of endorphins surging through our bodies.

Why did this performance have to end? There’s a feeling we’ve only scratched the surface. There is still so much more to be said. It seems Efterklang are the sort of band that you can watch day after day and still lose yourself in their sheer scope of invention.

Utterly spellbinding, Efterklang at Glasgow Arches venue is this reviewer’s performance of the year hands down. With two stunning releases under their belt, 2007 will be remembered as the year Efterklang truly arrived.