Splashgirl - Hibernation

by Adrian Huggins

published: 21 / 2 / 2016

Label: Hubro
Format: CD

Hypnotic and beautifully crafted fifth album from Norwegian doom jazz trio, Splashgirl

Review

Norwegian Trio Splashgirl are described as a 'doom jazz' act. I don’t about 'doom, but, however, the album title of ‘Hibernation’ is incredibly indicative of the feel of this album. It does feel like a temporary escape into the cold. The music is sparse and patient to the point where you feel yourself slowing down and mellowing out as the music plays. They draw comparisons with Neptune Towers, another Norwegian act and the side project of Darkthrone member Fenriz, but whereas Neptune Towers sound like a journey through space Splashgirl create a journey through a frozen world. There is a sense of solitude to 'Hibernation' without a sense of it being lonely. There are moments of 65 Days Of Static minus the drums and guitars. It is not surprising to learn that ‘Hibernation’ was recorded in Iceland, it makes perfect sense in fact. The other unsurprising fact about the creation of the album is that long time collaborator and producer Randall Dunn was responsible for guiding and recording this. Also known for his work with Earth and Sunn 0))), he has clearly helped to steer Splashgirl in a direction of complete consumption in which you cannot help but taken over by this album. The other beauty of ‘Hibernation’ is that it is not over-indulgent in length. The longest track ‘Two Degrees’ clocks in at 8:27 minutes which when compared to a lot of experimental, instrumental jazz music is not much. Splashgirl have created manageable portions that are easy to swallow rather than trying to bleed things out beyond their lifespan. The outcome of this sense of patience is an album that is easy to listen to. The gaps in noise are as important as the fills. It is superbly balanced and constructed. Please do not listen to this though while driving or operating heavy machinery.

Track Listing:-

1 Hibernation
2 Reducer
3 Bleak Warm Future
4 Rounds
5 Scorch
6 Community
7 Redshift
8 Two Degrees
9 Rebounds

Band Links:-

http://www.splashgirl.no/
https://www.facebook.com/splashgirlno/
https://twitter.com/SplashgirlBand
http://www.last.fm/music/Splashgirl
http://www.songkick.com/artists/111060