A post-rock path to a better future

The Denmark-born frontman of Danish band Efterklang, Casper Clausen, is going solo with his new album Better Way, a collection that tackles themes of a better future and ways to attain it. Clausen can be compared to the famous band U2; however, his kaleidoscopic tunes take on a darker and more haunting theme. In his search for truthful emotion, Clausen employs textures and rhythms that are post-rock and hearty chamber pop that transports people elsewhere. 

Clausen begs for attention with an opening tune that runs almost nine minutes long. “Used to Think” is heavy on the synthesizer with abrupt vocals that constantly interrupt each other without hesitation, like a chaotic cluster of eager children on a group scavenger hunt. A constant background metronome is present throughout the entire song, though it is layered so densely that the beat is not easily picked up at all points of the song. Clausen graces the audience with his silken voice four minutes into the piece.

“Feel It Coming” continues with an airy and textured feel, splashing ’80s inspired drum beats and synths onto the canvas. “Dark Heart” features Calusen’s warm and distant voice in a narcotic loop. “Snow White” has the listener trudging through a thick musical haze interrupted by Clausen’s falsettos. “Falling Apart Like You” brings an intimate piece about love and the constant feeling of falling that comes with it. “Little Words” calls out to the quixotic future that Clausen has been aiming for, assisted by smooth rhythms. “8 Bit Human” breaks the soft state of the album with uplifting and pop-driven dance beats. Concluding the album is “Ocean Wave,” with sparkling synths that end with a crash upon a shore of indecipherable lyrics.

This collection, written under unrestrictive circumstances, explores what it means to create on your own terms. Better Way initiates passion in its listeners, as Clausen does an excellent job of exhibiting what can be done when allowing oneself to shed the boundaries that are often inflicted upon them, whether self-inflicted or not. This collection teaches people that their circumstances can be changed and that they can shed their constraints and find a better way.