Ulver Album: “A Quick Fix of Melancholy [EP]”

Ulver's CD's are all so diverse and always go in such unpredictable directions, that it is now predictable that their next achievement will be unpredictable. This CD mostly contains synthesized (I think) and non-synthesized violins and string instruments, and some opera vocals in addition to their main electronic sound.

"Little Blue Bird" starts off with a double string melody, one that continues throughout the whole song to paint the main atmosphere. There are some strange opera vocals that you thought you'd never find in an Ulver song in the background, until Garm starts singing his haunting and soothing vocal melodies. After he is finished, the beat picks up but the tempo stays the same, and strange electronic noises are added to the mix, until the song fades out into the main theme from which it started.

"Doom Sticks" starts with a sound I can only describe as an electronic melody, although not a monotonous beeping sound or anything - and then adds what I can only think of as distant synthesized bells, or just a general cool sounding sound that isn't supposed to sound like anything. Then there are some more synthesized trumpets, I guess, then violins... This song is entirely instrumental.

"Vowels" is my favorite on the CD, which starts off with violin or some string instrument plucking, a magical distant bell melody, and strong, male "opera" vocals - It might be Garm but I can't tell. It sounds like he is just singing random words that seem to be printed on the CD itself. This song only has vocals at the beginning and then goes into incredible layered instrumentals with all the elements I've already described. At the end, the more upbeat and layered violin playing section might as well be the local symphony orchestra playing.

The Last song, "Eitttlane" is "Nattleite" remixed, and let me tell you, it was the perfect song from "Kveldssanger" to remix. The name is literally remixed also, as you can tell. It repeats sections of this song in interesting patterns and adds a lot more percussion, melodies, instruments, and electronic sounds.

These songs keep exploring uncharted territories and moving throughout different ideas and experiments. You must not be human if they do not pull your interest in and never let go. This particular release is awfully hard to describe sound and instrument-wise, but the songs are as always, extremely interesting and unique. Ulver sure doesn't disappoint, and never gets boring. I'm so pleased with this CD, that if the next full-length is this good, (which I'm sure it will be) they will probably become my favorite band of all, which is now Opeth.

Ulver never ceases to amaze me, this EP takes the band in yet another direction (an Ulver trademark). I think this album displays a minimalistic approach, using sparse electronics and beats the band manages to attain an atmosphere from the get-go of each song and maintain it throughout. The songs start off with a simple melody or sound and then get bigger and more atmospheric as they progress. If I had to compare it to any previous Ulver release it would be the "Svidd Neger" soundtrack, which is also an incredible release in itself and uses the "build-up" method that I mentioned earlier. This is a perfect album to zone out to or drive to late at night on the freeway. Yet another amazing effort by Ulver.

This little 2003 EP was a lovely understated reminder that Ulver were still making interesting, original and ultimately infectious music. There is only four tracks here, all encapsulating the trademark electronic styling, Garm's powerful and atmospheric vocals and a refined ear for melody.

My favourite track here is "Eittlane" which is a re-working of "Nattleite" from their acoustic folk album "Kveldssanger". The song starts decently with a nice laid-back and moody feel, and slowly builds to the final beat drop over the washing tones, and Garm's vocals can be heard just adding to the already rich textures. "Little Blue Bird" is a demonstration of Garm's outstanding and diverse vocals. He can effortlessly switch from quiet and eerie to loud and operatic. He is a truly underrated singer, which unfortunately reflects the band's somewhat cult status. "Vowels" is another excellent song, combining some big and loud vocals with tasteful strings that never become overblown. "Doom Sticks" is my least favourite song here, not that its bad, it just doesn't live up to the other three as it becomes rather repetitive.

Overall this is a very enjoyable four track EP. Fans of Ulver should always expect the unexpected - such is the nature of this diverse band - but you would be wrong to expect a dip in quality.