𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊& 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…
On November 26, 2002, Ulver released Lyckantropen Themes (subtitled Original Soundtrack For The Short Film By Steve Ericsson), the original motion picture soundtrack via Jester Records.
(Cover of the 2011 Jester Records vinyl re-issue)
The album was produced by Ulver on mobile equipment in Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden in May 2002 for the Swedish short film Lyckantropen.
Background:
Lyckantropen Themes is Ulver's first foray into film soundtrack music, although musically it has continuity with their previously released EPs, Silence Teaches You How to Sing and Silencing the Singing. The soundtrack has been described as “ambiguous moods and lurking-in-the-shadows electronic ambiances, setting the alternately suspenseful and melancholy mood of the soundtrack.”
The soundtrack was nominated for a Spellemannprisen in 2002; an award presented to Norwegian musicians, in the Open Class category.
The film’s DVD release features an interview with Kristoffer Rygg and Jørn H. Sværen, entitled Shape Shifting - The 1st Decade of Ulver.
Critical Reception:
William York, writing for AllMusic, rated the album 3/5, concluding;
“Taken on its own, Lyckantropen is a solid, respectable album of semi-dark ambient-electronic music, and at 37 minutes long, it doesn't wear out its welcome.”
Sputnikmusic rated the soundtrack 4/5, concluded;
“(The soundtrack) can stand alone from the film and still procreate an impact. Ulver formidably accomplish this with apparent ease and grace, and also illustrate an unfamiliar way to approach arranging the soundtrack apart from the film. The best thing about Ulver is their ability to adapt. They can use any given situation or feeling and produce a whole record without overplaying or showboating, they just get their point across and finish in silence. When you watch the film and lose your mind in the soundtrack, that’s the best experience for you to begin to understand what the film is actually doing.”
Rating the soundtrack 9/10, Alvin Wee, writing for webzine Chronicles of Chaos, writes;
“Ulver take yet another left turn on Lyckantropen Themes, this time exploring ambient soundscapes to a far greater extent than on their Perdition City sessions. Despite protestations to the contrary, Ulver's conversion to electronica did not result in them losing the darkness of their earlier albums; it is still present, albeit in a far more subtle manner. The songs segue seamlessly into one another, providing a sense of continuity and should ideally be listened to from beginning to end without interruption.”
Webzine, Deadline, comments;
“Lyckantropen Themes is really unlike anything the band has previously released. Moreover, it is probably unfair to treat this movie score as a new full-length Ulver album, as the thoughts and emotions were likely inspired by someone else's vision and guidance while Garm and Co. only made this vision come true.”
Aversionline rated the soundtrack 8/10, commenting;
“Lyckantropen consists of 10 "themes" that are all improvisations based around the same three chords produced on mobile equipment. Like some of Ulver's recent work this material is very calm and rather minimal in its use of textures and tones, and obviously things are not as involved or dynamic as Perdition City or anything of that nature. As always Ulver never fails to impress the hell out of me. This is an excellent release that should not be missed by Ulver fanatics.”
John Chedsey, writing for Satan Stole My Teddybear, comments;
“Lyckantropen Themes is the outfit's full fledged descent into ambient soundscapes. Ulver sheds the constant sense of anxiety of Perdition City for an experience that is far more subliminal and alluring. Ulver seems to be getting more adept at this game and have more confidence in their ambient sensibilities. As one person described it, Lyckantropen Themes is background music that may fade to the rear but if you resume paying attention, there is always something going on to interest your ears. It is a very dark, but intriguing journey into musical ambience. Those who have been moved and impressed by Perdition City and its companion EPs will do well in picking this up. Within its idiom, Lyckantropen Themes is a successful and impressive venture.“
Webzine Musique Machine (musiquemachine.com) wrote;
“The cinematic approach of Ulver's last CD Perdition City and subsequent 2 EP’s hasn't gone unnoticed and an actual soundtrack composed by them seemed to be a matter of time. Despite the unmistakably spooky chords the music has a soothing quality although there sure is an omnipresent impending doom during the full 36 minutes.”
Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells
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