Album Review
Tonik Ensemble – Snapshots
Sigur Ros sure have a lot to answer for, having seemingly single-handedly set the precedent for what is expected of music hailing from their near-mythical and majestic home of Iceland.
Tonik Ensemble feels no need to let up on the inherent atmospherics that have become culturally defining, but there is an added edge, a deeply felt darkness that pours across the 8 tracks, and a beat driven underbelly topped off with carefully selected vocal collaborators lift this above the ethereal stereotypes.
It is certain that Snapshots is delivered on a chilled wind of glacial cool, yet as it whistles through your bones it also reflects touches of Faithless’s most introspective moments with the crowd-bouncing synth refrains wisely sidestepped for more individualistic tendencies. Echoing of inward bound paranoia and whirls of emotion, Tonik Ensemble has crafted a delicate beast that dances a fragile dance in the overlooked darkness of uncrowded dancefloors.
Venue: Snapshots
Support Band: Atomnation