Anne Efternöler & Lige Börn - 2025 - Brugskunst

(44:25, Hobby Horse Records)

Track list:
1. Hvor Intet Ikke Høres 5:53
2. Hertil Og Lidt Længere 2:23
3. Du Vokser Sidelæns Ind I Mig 2:03
4. Ting Vi Kunne Have Fragtet 3:04
5. Lene Flytter Muren Med Sin Volvo 1:22
6. Mellemtidskrig 7:31
7. Fynd & Klem 1:23
8. All You Need Is Less 4:19
9. Charlie Følger Efter Mig 5:38
10. En Kortvarig Mobilisering Af Kropslige Resourcer 1:06
11. Fråds 1:34
12. Jeg Vil Bo Der Hvor Æblerne Er Sure 3:21
13. Født I Egen Krop 2:46
14. Tak For Lige Nu 2:02

Line-up:
Anne Efternøler - trumpet
Thomas Morgan - double bass
Anders Christensen - double bass
Richard Andersson - double bass


Danish artist Anne Efternöler and her band Lige Börn first appeared back in 2022 with their self-titled debut album. All of the musicians involved are well known artists in their own right, and what sets this venture apart from many others is the line-up, consisting of band leader Efternöler on trumpet and her backing band consisting of three bassists. Now in the spring of 2025 they are about to release their second studio production "Brugskunst" through the label Hobby Horse Records.

As one might expect given the line-up of this band, it is a rather experimental variety of jazz that is the focus on this production. What might be a bit of a surprise for many is that the landscapes explored tend to be more careful and delicate. This isn't an album to seek out by those who enjoy a strong and dominant booming bass presence or shrill, dramatic displays of brass instruments. Instead we get landscapes that one might describe as having a bit more of an introspective nature.

Slow and careful bass lines and various forms of more adventurous use of the double bass are staples here, with a few songs that sets aside some space and time for bass leads that also tend to stick to a more careful mode of delivery and mood to explore. The trumpet is used in a similar manner, where the notes and melodies and resonances are all executed with love, care and affection. We do get some impulses with a more theatrical and experimental tinge to them though, but also in such a setting I believe the expression low key is appropriate.

For my sake and my taste in music I was most drawn to the more melodic excursions here, where melancholic notes and at times a subtle mournful spirit are at play. We also get some charming creations, such as 'Ting Vi Kunne Have Fragtet' where the double bass is played in a manner that reminds me of the guitar riff patterns in metal, albeit in a delicate and careful manner. In a similar vein we have 'Mellemtidskrig' where I associate the bass playing with the tones, style and melodies of classical guitar music.

We also get a liberal array of more experimental fare here, where chaotic sounding arrangements, seemingly broken rhythms and various forms of expressive, quirky and experimental sounds and movements are given full focus. Possibly with some improvised goes free form antics among them. While there are examples of this kind of music  that I do find appealing on a personal level, like some of the creations from the late Danish artist Robin Taylor, in general this is music that it is more difficult for me to find enjoyable.

I find this album to be a little bit of a niche production. The all instrumental line-up of three double bass players and one trumpetist may in itself make this album one that has a more limited appeal of course. But those who believe that line-up sounds interesting, and who generally enjoy jazz of a more low key nature that blend careful and melancholic landscapes with delicate and careful yet at times highly expressive and experimental ventures into quirky and challenging landscapes should find plenty to enjoy on this production.

Olav M. Björnsen, April 2025

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/AnneEfternoler