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CD
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SHAKE 015CD
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Since long before his debut album Celebrating Life (MORR 080CD/LP) was released in 2008, Borko has been one of the most influential stalwarts in Reykjavík's boiling music scene. He has been a key member of many Icelandic bands (Rúnk, FM Belfast, Skakkamanage, to name a few) but it is in his own music that he really emerges from the undercurrent with his distinctively personal brand of expressive pop music. The nature of this particular beast lies in Borko's keen sense of melodic sensibility, but what set's it apart from the pack is the infectious charm, which is something anyone who has ever seen him play live can attest to. Borko has toured the world with both múm and Seabear and is known for his warm-hearted and downright neighborly stage presence. His newest handiwork is Born to Be Free. It offers everything one could ask of Borko. This album manages to be both calm and complex at the same time without having to tread any thin line. Songs like the title song and "The Final Round" are an energetic comment on urban life, while the final song "Sing to the World" is a universal anthem. There is a sense of charismatic vibrancy which juxtaposes perfectly with the intricate nature of Borko's carefully-crafted music.
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LP
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SHAKE 015LP
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LP version. Since long before his debut album Celebrating Life (MORR 080CD/LP) was released in 2008, Borko has been one of the most influential stalwarts in Reykjavík's boiling music scene. He has been a key member of many Icelandic bands (Rúnk, FM Belfast, Skakkamanage, to name a few) but it is in his own music that he really emerges from the undercurrent with his distinctively personal brand of expressive pop music. The nature of this particular beast lies in Borko's keen sense of melodic sensibility, but what set's it apart from the pack is the infectious charm, which is something anyone who has ever seen him play live can attest to. Borko has toured the world with both múm and Seabear and is known for his warm-hearted and downright neighborly stage presence. His newest handiwork is Born to Be Free. It offers everything one could ask of Borko. This album manages to be both calm and complex at the same time without having to tread any thin line. Songs like the title song and "The Final Round" are an energetic comment on urban life, while the final song "Sing to the World" is a universal anthem. There is a sense of charismatic vibrancy which juxtaposes perfectly with the intricate nature of Borko's carefully-crafted music. Includes mp3 download.
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CD
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MORR 080CD
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Celebrating Life is the first full-length release from Icelandic artist Björn Kristiansson and reflects a life in music full of experiences. The oldest of these eight tracks are up to six years old, and Morr label-head Thomas Morr has been their eager and attentive listener. How does a punch in the belly sound? Kristiansson has written a song about it called "Spoonstabber," where you'll hear an elegiac Tetris, encapsulated by delaying beats, tumbling samples, guitars, trumpets and a melody that goes on for an eternity. Borko -- who also works as a musician for film and theater as well as a music teacher at a primary school in Reykjavik -- expresses melancholy and nostalgia through rhythm-machines. His songs can reach dramatic heights with climbing melodies, as well as play up the stoicism of repetition and modulation. His work at the laptop and mixing desk live on stage have helped fuel his inspiration as well as childhood prog rock LPs, Jim O'Rourke's ear and electronica's warmth. Kristiansson also enumerates more: "I'm very influenced by loads of great musicians in the music scene here in Iceland. I'm inspired by the kids in the school where I work. I'm inspired by good people. I'm inspired by bad people. I'm inspired by the music I listen to from time to time. I'm inspired by happiness. I'm inspired by sadness. I'm inspired by the sun and the snow. I'm inspired by crazy after parties. I'm inspired by good food. I'm inspired by alcohol. I'm inspired by mirror balls. I'm inspired by noises." Sounds as if Borko is grateful to a lot of people for Celebrating Life. But this album also pays it back again and again.
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MORR 080LP
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12"
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RESONANT 005EP
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Reissue of the stunning first release by Borko, now signed to Morr Music. "Majestic EP of fragile, organic electronica from a small rural community near Reyjkavik, Iceland, the debut release from a hirsute young man named Bjorn Kristjansson. As Borko he delivers four subtle, melodic & engaging tracks which come across as if they were soundtracks to fairytales: gentle and serene, evolving slowly and beautifully. Produced with the guidance & expertise of his close friends from his home town, the EP echoes the work of Tugboat/Fat Cat artists Múm without being derivative or lacking an identity of its own."
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