Shadow Shadow “Kill Screen”

17 Feb 2014 — Parker Bruce

Over the summer, Swedish act Shadow Shadow (aka Mattias Friberg) gave us a 7" that went straight to the heart. Now, the full-length Riviera is following on March 4th here in America courtesy of Shadow Shadow's own label Molnstaden. "Kill Screen" further demonstrates his mastery of synth sagas. Friberg makes songs that are thoughtful and relentless, taking this very common sound further than many of his brethern. Like "1000001" and "Riviera" before it with their cataclysmic words ("we would not fall in love," "I can't fight the nights all by myself"), "Kill Screen" aches beyond belief as it waltzes, dallies, and dithers. It's music that immediately puts a lump in your throat, constricting your breath, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Kicki Halmos' vocals come across as if they are hidden behind a great screen. As I write this, I'm sitting in a café/bar in Brooklyn where, a few minutes ago, they lowered the lights – which feels like the ideal way to listen to Shadow Shadow's all-encompassing tomes. Find the pre-order here.