Album Review: Netherlands – Severance (Svart Records)

Released on 31st March via Svart Records, Severance is the 9th release from multi-instrumentalist, compulsive creator, and unrepentant volume addict Timo Ellis (Cibo Matto, Spacehog, Yoko Ono) under the Netherlands moniker.

A variation on progressive sludge that is like nothing you’ve ever heard before; Netherlands’ 9th release is truly something that needs to be heard to be believed. One of the most disconcerting, imaginative, and polarising listens heard this year so far. Where you’re left feeling queasy, confused, and a little bit in love. Such is the eccentric and erratic nature of the record.

Call it progressive sludge but those two words fail completely to sum up the madness that is Severance. It’s a cacophony of noise; heavy instruments, senseless effects, gaudy vocals, and a thick vein of moodiness running through it constantly. No two tracks sound alike, aside from the buzz and fuzz created by the combination, which can make the tone shifts incredibly jarring.

Yet, Netherlands’ progressive capabilities does result in one of the most fascinating listens of the year so far. Where you’re left with your mouth open throughout. Both elated and disturbed by what is showcased throughout.

Words can’t do the madness and genius of Severance justice. It’s such a challenging record that it’s impossible to recommend to specific fans of a specific style. Simply put, an open-mind is a necessity if you’re going to give this some spins. Though, it is undoubtably worth it, as in a world of ‘same-old’, Netherlands stands out on an island of one.

There are ten tracks on offer and each is as compelling, weird, and wonderful as the last. For just how experimental the entire experience is, it is a must listen.

Netherlands – Severance Track Listing:

1. Sicarrivallio (feat. Michael Dafferner)
2. Swimming Dog
3. Omisha
4. Animal Insults
5. Severance
6. Blue Whale
7. Goons
8. Glow Stick
9. Silencio
10. Celia’s Mansion

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