The gorgeous “Dystopia” touts Board of Bandits’ gripping ability to merge intimate singer/songwriter prowess with a knack for dreamy, consuming soundscapes. Aptly enough, the band from Malmö, Sweden cite Joni Mitchell alongside My Bloody Valentine and Sigur Rós as influences, emphasizing their knack for gradually evolving emotive soundscapes. The “little by little,” vocal escalation past 01:30 also reminds fondly of Radiohead’s most stripped-down material, and particularly their tendency to develop textured beauty within the background, even on more minimal-sounding efforts. Guitar-based lingering past the two-minute mark adds beautifully to the mix, with the second half in general reaching soaring heights, fondly reminiscent of Sigur Rós’ structural tendencies. “Dystopia” is a stirring success.
“Waiting By the Shore” is another recommended gem from the band:
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“Dystopia” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of February 2020’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
