Released in Room40's collection of short albums packaged in CD shells,
Norberg features the final 20 minutes of a set performed by
Tim Hecker inside a mine shaft in Norberg, Sweden, on the 30th of July 2005. A quick fade-in leads us straight into "The Drone," a typical
Hecker texture spread all across the stereo spectrum. An introductory vibraphone theme gives the impression that the proceedings will remain quiet and pretty, but soon the vibes disappear and the vibe of the mine shaft takes over. Oppressive swashes of gritty noise and rumbling bass tones control an otherwise peaceful, almost new-agey piece. The music turns into a tug-of-war between light and darkness, as quiet chords and sonic grit battle for dominance, disembodied radio voices seeping in through them.
Norberg is nothing new for
Hecker -- some might even find it predictable -- but there is no denying the mastery and craftsmanship going into it. That, and how befitting it must have been for this unlikely venue. Not an essential item, but surely not a dud either. ~ François Couture