Imagine an album that wraps you in a cozy blanket of sound, filling your room with an intimate indie vibe. That’s Altid Sammen, the seventh studio album from Danish band Efterklang. Released in September 2019 under 4AD, it’s an artistic journey that you can’t help but be drawn into, whether or not you speak Danish. The title itself, Altid Sammen, translates to 'Always Together', encapsulating the band's desire to explore themes of connection and unity — perfect in a world where we're increasingly isolated by digital divides and cultural dissonance.
The who behind this masterpiece is the trio composed of Casper Clausen, Mads Brauer, and Rasmus Stolberg. Together, they knit a musical blanket that weaves together orchestral elements with modern electronic twists. This album stands out not just for its musical genius, but also because it marks Efterklang’s return to the studio after a seven-year hiatus. Within these tracks, you find a band that has matured, pondering existential themes yet maintaining the same spirit that has long captivated their fans.
Altid Sammen’s essence is best captured through its opening track, "Vi er uendelig," meaning "We are infinite." The song sets the tone for an experience full of ethereal sounds and profound lyrics. Even without an understanding of Danish, you get the sense of a spiritual exploration, driven by sweeping harmonies and ambient sounds that convey emotions beyond the constraints of language. It’s one of those tracks that convinces even the most skeptical listeners of music's universal ability to transcend words.
Language shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to art, and Altid Sammen is a testament to that belief. For non-Danish speakers, there might be an initial hesitance — a fear of missing out on the true meaning hidden behind those foreign words. But Efterklang builds a bridge with their music, encouraging listeners to focus on the feelings evoked by melodies and instrumentation. The album becomes like a shared secret between the band and the listener, understood not in specific terms, but in shared emotion.
After their lengthy break, the band's intent appears straightforward yet profound: reflect on togetherness, connection, and spiritual belonging. It’s a sentiment that especially resonates today. Social media and instant connectivity have, paradoxically, sometimes led us to feeling more divided than ever. Altid Sammen taps into this paradox, suggesting that being physically apart doesn't have to mean feeling isolated at heart. The blend of classical and modern tones in the music creates a sense of historical continuity and futurism at the same time, a nod to being "always together" despite being apart.
It’s an intriguing point of discussion, isn’t it? On one hand, there's a desire for constant connection — driven by our social tendencies and amplified by digital technologies. On the other, there’s the argument that these very tools might actually discourage genuine connection. Here’s where Altid Sammen emerges as more than just an album; it’s a subtle critique of our modern world, provoking listeners to assess their own connections, both physical and virtual.
För Efterklang fans, Altid Sammen offers a renewed sense of wonder. There’s a familiarity about it, a confirmation that the band’s unique sound hasn’t dissipated over the years. Yet it also feels markedly different — more introspective, more meditative. Critics and fans alike have noted this evolution.
Of course, not everyone might agree with this interpretation. Critics could argue that music transcending language focuses too little on lyrical weight. Would Efterklang's themes resonate in Danish without the music's allure? After all, there’s something reassuring about the tangibility of lyrics you can understand and quote verbatim.
Despite differing opinions, there’s much to be respected in the craft of an album like Altid Sammen. It’s an art piece courageously vulnerable to interpretation and impermanence. With each note, Efterklang challenges listeners to interpret the silence between words, to embrace connection despite lack of direct understanding. It's an exercise in empathy, a musical encouragement toward unity.
For Gen Z, growing up with ever-increasing connectivity, Altid Sammen puts forth a gentle reminder: always seek meaning, even beyond words. The album celebrates universality yet personalizes the experience. It’s about shared stories and collective memories, much like the social narratives young people shape and share today.
As more albums release each day, it's easy for some to get lost in the shuffle. But Altid Sammen is crafted in a way that sticks, like a gentle whisper reminding us of our innate desire for connection. Efterklang doesn’t just play tunes — they create emotional landscapes and invite listeners to experience the echoes of unity that transcend the temporal boundaries.
Ultimately, whether you cherish every note or prefer catchy lyrics in your playlist, Efterklang’s Altid Sammen is a gentle nudge toward reflecting on what being "always together" truly means.