Lindstrøm – On a Clear Day I Can See You Forever

The synths are alive

Lindstrøm is a Norwegian electronic music producer with a rich and diverse discography. Well known for his remixes and his forward-thinking dance music compositions, Lindstrøm’s long-form underground club tracks have only gotten more complex, heady and introspective on his new project: On a Clear Day I Can See You Forever. The light sizzling pulse of a drum machine grounds the emotional synth movements, this music is subtle and carefully lures you in.

There is no vocal frills or catchy repetition, Lindstrøm uses classic dance music instruments to spell a different tale. A new sonic world, rich with strange tones, textures and a challenging progression. On the album’s title track, a drumless synth ambiance comes to form. Rumbling bass sweeps dance around colorful melodic wisps. The tone is dark and otherworldly, hypnotic and transformative. The piece is long-winded yet beautifully sets the tone for the rest of the album. 

“Really Deep Snow” is a meticulous synth odyssey. The melody is so soft and tells a complicated story. The backdrop is a simple sequenced beat and pulsating arpeggio. This base is where the world-building begins and ends. A series of ever-changing melodies, textures and tones suck people into a meditative celestial womb. “Swing Low Sweet LFO” is a beautiful track in which lush harping arpeggios come and go. Both angelic and haunting. Like a bright gem in a desolate cavern, darkness and beauty come hand in hand, maybe to reflect our own reality. A world more interesting than any one state of being. 

Lindstrøm keeps it simple in the most intriguing way. Only a few morphing synths and maybe a beat, but this simplicity helps his voice stand out. Worldbuilding and storytelling based on the tones and subtle changes made on a hard plastic synth. The tracks in On a Clear Day I Can See You Forever are full of life and things to say if you stick around long enough to find them.