GusGus have returned with their 11th studio album, ‘Mobile Home’, marking their first album release since 2018. For their latest record, they call on VÖK’s lead singer Margrét Rán to help expand their style, keeping the collective’s sound still fresh. The nine-track album is out now via their own Oroom imprint and features a concoction of electronic rock, ambient, darkwave, downtempo, and synthpop.
After announcing a new album in October 2020, GusGus teased fans with their first single ‘Higher’, offering a first taste of how VÖK’s vocals mesh with their electronic production. The track was soon followed up with the darker, downtempo ‘Stay The Ride’ and the synth work on Our World’. The three singles each received music videos courtesy of founding members Arni & Kinski, the directing team known for working with the likes of Sigur Rós, Kiasmos, Ólafur Arnalds, Of Monsters and Men, and more.
‘Every track on the album doubles as a window into a futuristic dystopian world that has been overtaken by machines. A nod to the rise of technology and the ever-growing uncertainty surrounding automation, the album explores themes of solitude, rebellion, science fiction, hedonism, pleasure, and anger.
Swirling within this world is a disconnected, aching soul who is on the verge of slipping into complete dementia. Forgotten purpose and goals but continues to be driven by the hedonistic default program of material consciousness; sensually self-indulgent and engaged in the pursuit of pleasure alone.’
‘Simple Tuesday’ showcases the group’s aptitude for blending contemporary electronic production with pop sensibilities while keeping an optimistic tonality at the forefront. Meanwhile, ‘Love Is Alone’ and ‘Original Heartbreak’ offer a slower, more pensive take on synthpop, and evoke feelings of solitude and deep melancholia.
‘Silence’ and ‘The Rink’ boast some of their more experimental production, each alternating between radio-ready vocal verses with synth elements.
Stream it here.
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