Beläten has unfurled cold Electronics, warm Ambient, thought-provoking experiments and catchy Synth-Pop. I’m still on the fence about the revival of cassette tapes, but it’s clear that Beläten has created a platform for innovative sounds from some inspiring artists.
Seldom, whilst writing for Igloo, have I found myself and another contributor following a similar line. Of course there have been times where more than one person has wanted to cover a release, and the democratic process prevails. But it is a rare incident that, through chance, that two reviewers will follow the same artist or label parallel. Yet, that is what has happened with Philippe Blache and his review of Possession by Xiu of Beläten. To complement Philippe’s review, and not to be outdone, I’m returning again to Sweden to explore this curious label.
Beläten is a Swedish record label that has focused on one format whilst exploring many sounds. Like Further Records, Beläten has a penchant for the tape cassette with every release to date being broadcast digitally and through magnetic tape. Yet a myriad of genres has been investigated by this underworld label.
The first that caught my eye was Ekman. I’ve recently written about Ekman, aka Roel Dijcks. For Bunker it was Acid Ruination. For Abstract Forms a terse space Electro. It’s the latter that Ekman explores in Kalla Rytmer Att Dansa Till I Ensamhet. Ghostly ruminations stalk from the outset as elements of horror soundtrack steal into headphones. Tough industrial tones pervade the cassette but so does a depth of aural feeling.
For Beläten Soma Sema, of No EMB Blanc, curated an excellent mix tape of grief and pain filled Synth Wave, New Wave and Industrial. Established names, such as Television Set, Vita Noctis and Makina Girgir, and gathered alongside upcoming artists like Blitzkreig Baby and New York’s Lust for Youth. A thoughtful collection of uplifting moments and downright depressing dirges.
Of late the Swedish imprint has been exploring some grey matter darkness from artists like Ēv Of Isis and Cryme. Mechanized experimentation is coupled with a desire to poke at musical structures.
But this is only a cross section. Beläten has unfurled cold Electronics, warm Ambient, thought-provoking experiments and catchy Synth-Pop. I’m still on the fence about the revival of cassette tapes, but it’s clear that Beläten has created a platform for innovative sounds from some inspiring artists.
Visit Beläten at www.belaten.se.
