Review: John Dahlback Free Album, Demure: Kill the Silence

John Dahlback has released a free album under his Demure moniker and the only payment required is a simple facebook ‘like’. Entitled Kill the Silence, Dahlback released a statement describing his newest work as follows:

“This album is something I first started doing for my Ipod. Something beautiful I could to on the plane, bus or wherever I was. I’m now sharing this with you. This is not EDM and not for the clubs. This is purely just for listening.”

First of all, it’s free. Why not download it? Second, it’s unique in a market flooded with middle of the road mediocrity. If money was involved I’d still recommend downloading the album. As a whole the album is ethereal; the mood, atmosphere, and general tone of the tracks transport the listener into an internal abstract paradise of Dahlback’s creation. Although the setting will be distinct for each listener, the vibe of the album ensures that it will always be peaceful.

The intro track takes the listener to the coast of somewhere beautiful. Relaxing in the passenger seat of a car as it hugs a winding coastline far up on a cliff. As the scenic landscape fades in-and-out of view, mixing with reality, you’ll realize the track is tapping into something primal and taking control, providing an escape from a mundane day. The energy varies from track-to-track; Dahlback’s second offering, while still calming, is far darker. One may envision themselves walking nervously down an ally, exhausted, on their way home from a long day at work. No one is interested in trouble, you’re nervous about your surroundings. but in the end you know everything is going to be ok. In other words, the track is still strangely relaxing.

On the third track, a set of vocals kick in and suddenly you are reminded of The Postal Service. Maybe Dahlback is right, maybe this isn’t EDM. Track four hits and the mood is bordering on melancholy. This seems unlikely as there is definitely an unwritten rule within the world of electronic dance music to stay away from downtrodden beats.
It’s true then, Kill the Silence really isn’t an EDM album. In its entirety, the album elicits all kinds of reactions. A black room with paper thin walls is filled with transcendent light as beams slowly burst through track-by-track.

Listening to Dahlback’s Kill the Noise is an experience not to be missed. Least of all when it is free.