From Distorted Guitars to Experimental Echoes

Born in the chilly landscapes of Umeå, Sweden in 1985 Mattias Lagerkvist aka Murkla had his earliest musical experiences in Luleå, Sweden deeply rooted in the distortion-drenched sounds of the local scene during the mid-90s. The influence of seminal bands like Refused, along with the gritty textures of Breach and Fireside, provided a foundational sonic palette. This era also marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the guitar, guided by the riffs of Metallica. Transitioning into production, Mattias ventured into hip-hop beat making with Cakewalk by 1999, showcasing an early versatility and a knack for blending diverse musical styles.

The Evolution of a Soundscapist

The turn of the millennium brought a pivotal shift in musical direction, sparked by an encounter with Tool's "Undertow." This discovery set off a chain reaction, leading to an immersion into the avant-garde world of ‘Captain Beefheart’, and eventually to the groundbreaking German experimentalists ‘Can’. These influences, along with a deep dive into the realms of 60s drone, 70s German Krautrock, and the pioneering electronic sounds of Aphex Twin and Harmonia, shaped Murkla’s unique sound. Despite a period of experimentation that included stints of living abroad and exploring different musical expressions, his work under the Terrorific Rekords label, and projects like Cosmic Letters and Ekolali, underscored a relentless pursuit of a distinct auditory vision.

"Leviata" - A Deep Dive into Uncharted Waters

"Leviata," conceptualized in April 2023 after concluding work on two Ekolali projects, represents the culmination of decades of sonic exploration and experimentation. This latest work is a testament to murkla’s journey through various genres and eras, merging distorted guitars with the intricate textures of experimental rock and electronic music. The album weaves together the threads of Lagerkvist’s vast influences, from the gritty energy of Refused to the experimental ethos of Can, creating a soundscape that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. With tracks that oscillate between the dense, layered complexities of drone and the delicate nuances of ambient soundscapes, "Leviata" invites listeners on a journey through the artist's rich musical heritage and into the realms of his innovative future visions.

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‘nachts’, the final track on Lichtriss’ new EP titled ‘Glut’, lays its foundation with noisy, barely-harmonic electric distortions and reverberations that on its own would be interesting enough to fans of dark ambient and dub techno styles. Capturing the unending solitude of the vast expanses of our mechanized landscape is a central idea in these disciplines. But not long after setting this scene of midnight idle-industry, Lichtriss pokes through those endless nights with glowing synth pads that seem to offer refuge from that uneasy feeling that we may very well be living in a dystopia. As we progress, the glow continues; it confirms our hope, it reaffirms our existence as one worthy of life in this world. It leaves us with the message: no, our world is not good. But we are, and that might be enough.

— review by autonomy

Listen to the rest of the Glut EP on Spotify, and keep up with Lichtress’ other music elsewhere.
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