Anders Brørby – Mulholland Drive, 1984
5.22.17 by Ryan Durfee

Released by the always excellent Hylé Tapes in a now sold out edition of 50 copies, Anders Brørby‘s “Mulholland Drive, 1984” is a perfect album for the late spring, with it’s ominous tones bringing to mind mist enshrouded forests and decaying cities. The title of course is a David Lynch reference, something you can hear that in the DNA of the album, but what this cassette most brings to my mind is J.G. Ballard’s The Drowned World. I can picture the second track, “Black Room,” playing as the men touch down in the deep jungle, it’s watery tones mirroring the submerged landscape. Another choice cut is the six and a half minute “Persuasion of Existence.” Clattering accents reflect the unease felt by Dr. Kerans while trying to navigate the emotional malaise brought on by the humid jungle – And maybe a tinge of Tim Hecker.

One of the few missteps on an otherwise excellent album would be “Defeat.” While still a good song, it throws off the smooth flow of the album with the vocals. A flow Anders immediately brings back with the haunting synths of “Room With A Different View,” soothing as you begin to formulate a way to escape from the waterlogged city. In what will most likely end up as a personal favorite from this tape “A Sudden Sense Of Loss” incorporates some Angelo Badalamenti-esque horns to augment Anders’ crackling, seasick background sounds. Listeners are left on an unsettling note, wanting to hear his project unfurl. I for one can’t wait to see what Brørby does next.

Cop a digital version of “Mulholland Drive, 1984” here, and scope the usual suspects for a analog version to pop up.