.:: Sweden trio Eskju Divine (pronounced "S, Q, divine") is an ethereal power-trio who have chosen to forget guitars, relying merely on piano, bass and drums. That said you will not believe the heights of anthemic grandeur and lush bombast the band ascends to, an incredible dynamic, guitars would just get in the way!
Mainman Gustaf Spetz is Elton John on ecstasy, rendering huge sonic murals from his synth and piano, swaddling his voice in tumultuous harmonies, while the rhythm section of Daniel Åsander and Kristian Karlsson hammer away furiously, a tweaked dub thunder to Gustaf's melodic keys and vocal downpour.
Imagine the icy harmonies, epic orchestral enchantment, and tribal crescendos of Sigur Ros, Radiohead, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Grandiose without apology, Eskju Divine wrap their monumental tunes in the gauzy yet sober theatrics of the most epic, expansive eighties British outfits.
These could very well be four of the best songs we've heard this year from Sweden, crossing so many boundaries with such magnificent aplomb. Imperial Recordings is home to Jose Gonzalez and Melpo Mene, this label can do no wrong!
.:: The second album from Eskju Divine follows the same fine tradition of dreamlike pop as their lovely debut "Come and join, close your eyes", we Swedes should be proud of this excellent band.
It's romantic, hauntingly beautiful and with Kent-like melodies but with the atmospheric sound of Mew!
Eskju Divine has captured the Swedish melancholic spirit but with the same beauty as a garden of tulips in The Netherlands.
Think of them as a softer Muse or a more upbeat Sleeping At Last, the stunning "I haven't lost myself" is worthy an award.
I hope you're not afraid of heights because Eskju Divine will take you there.
Can we wish for a new album in 2008? The band is currently in the studio so that's good news. Kaj Roth
Eskju Divine:
Mattias Bhatt, drums
Gustaf Spetz, vocals & piano
Kristian Karlsson, bassguitar & backing vocals
download: eskju divine - heights)
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