Album review: Efterklang & The Danish National Chamber Orchestra - 'Performing Parades'

Efterklang – essentially the Danish Sigur Ros – are one of those well-meaning but misguided outfits who believe that music is lent increasing legitimacy by the number of classically-trained musicians involved. Their 2007 album ‘Parades’ featured a string quartet, a brass quintet and three choirs. Were they satisfied? Hell, no. Last year, they performed the album with a 50-piece orchestra in tow. This document of the event only goes to prove that more is often less. Any hint of verdant beauty that existed in these songs is submerged by hectic see-sawing and choral bluster. ‘Performing Parades’ is impressive and formidable, like a power station or a long equation, but it’s not much fun.

Sam Richards

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4 out of 10