Hugo Randulv – Drunkna I Ljus

Gothenburg scene mainstay Hugo Randulv returns with a second solo album of deep set, heavy-weather ambience composed almost entirely around the electric cello and a subtle smattering of six string feedback. Randulv's form over the last half-decade-plus has been impressive to say the least - the three flawless LPs of avant noise pop by Amateur Hour, his contributions to Enhet För Fri Musik, the sprightly jangle of Skiftende Enheter et al - and, as with the previous record under his own name, Drunkna I Ljus proves a significant addition to an increasingly imperious catalogue. Those familiar with those former records may hear some connections between the ethereal instrumental passages that coloured each of the Amateur Hour collections and the haunted dissonance of 2021's Radio Arktis, though it's something outside of his own work that Randulv appears to be channeling most across these two long-form pieces. With its arcing drones and swirling emotional core, Drunkna I Ljus seems to confirm Jon Collin's status as an adopted Swede, functioning in its way like a companion piece to the still astonishing Bridge Variations. Consider it a dialogue between two complimentary artists, perhaps, or a reflection of the creative hive mind mentality Discreet has propagated these past five years. It remains a gift. And Randulv's consistent output, in its varying forms, shows your best work could be just around the next corner.