Song of the Day: Klunks - Vanersom

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, comes from the Norwegian producer Klunks. “Vanersom” is the first track off Hollow Scenes, released this year on Seattle label Hush Hush Records, run by KEXP's DJ Alex.Klunks - Vanersom (MP3)Get out your over the ear headphones and get ready to traverse the depths of Klunks. This past November, the electronic producer Klunks emerged from the cold, blustery Norwegian winter to offer up Hollow Scenes, eleven mellifluous soundscapes of jazz saxophone-driven tracks mashed up with ambient tinkering, all situated in an experimentally instrumental lounge. As a follow up to his 2015 debut, Elastic Forest, his latest opus sounds like its tracks have a foundation inspired by a Brian Eno quality of ambience and forward-thinking production. The foundations are layered with a variety of saxophone licks that are at times smooth jazzy and soothing and at times tastefully, but piercingly dissonant while infused with a host of electronic beat-keeping inflections.

Throughout the album, there's a sense of going in and out of serenity and decay. At its most simplistic, the sculpture of his softer measures like " Vanersom" - the four-plus-minute opening track on Hollow Scenes - could be eccentric score for stargazing or a high sensory planetarium experience. Commencing with what sounds like ultra resonating xylophones perfect for a state of dreaming, the number quickly showcases its staple of saxophone, vocal splices, and digital sea of cascading effects. At his most intricate you'll experience a lush forest of cerebral rhythms, angelic voices echoing, manipulated sounds, and the ebb and flow of dark and harmonious droning. It's music you might have to acquire at first but then you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.

It looks like Klunks generally stays off the grid in terms of social media and a website for his music, buy you can check out more of his music on Bandcamp and SoundCloud. For now, listen to another great song off of Hollow Scenes called "Shell Houses."