Copenhagen's art-pop quartet
When Saints Go Machine are comprised of vocalist
Nikolaj Manuel Vonsild, keyboardists
Jonas Kenton and Simon Muschinsky, and drummer
Silas Moldenhawer. Upon forming in 2007, the group began crafting an eclectic sound that made the most of
Vonsild's distinctive voice, which drew comparisons to
Arthur Russell and Antony of
Antony and the Johnsons in its quirky warmth. Likewise, elements of
Brian Eno,
David Byrne,
Depeche Mode, and indie R&B acts like
Active Child and
How to Dress Well could be heard in the atmospheric yet catchy backdrops the rest of the band created for
Vonsild's vocals.
When Saints Go Machine released their self-titled debut EP in 2008, which they followed with the full-length Ten Makes a Face in 2009. However, it was the group's second album, 2011's
Konkylie, that garnered international critical acclaim (it helped that it was released on the German label !K7). For 2013's
Infinity Pool, the band went in a more streamlined, overtly electronic direction. ~ Heather Phares