Album Review: Less Win – Given Light

Less Win are not always an easy band to listen to, and the Danish trio frequently utilise elements that can draw in the unwary. I’ve Been convinced ram-raids the '80s pop vault, while History Of Hope has an almost ska vibe, and Man Of My Time rides an upbeat rock‘n’roll groove.

There are melodies and hooks aplenty, but it’s like they’re all designed to lull the listener into a false sense of security before ambushing you with a discordant flourish of warped flamenco guitar or avant-garde jazz shapes.

Opener Tunnel is the most overtly aggressive piece, with a suitably claustrophobic, almost industrial clatter full of harsh strings, screams and circling tribal beats. Elsewhere, vocals that are spoken as much as sung bring a feeling of dark poetry as the musical landscape swirls and shifts beneath. Given Light is a challenging album, certainly, but it’s one that rewards perseverance.

Verdict: 3/5