Started as a leftfield music project in the 90s, Reykjavik-based GusGus have emerged to be at the forefront of the international electronic dance community. They were one of the earlier electronic dance acts to be signed to 4AD back in 1997. Let’s fast forward to present day. The trio comprised of President Bongo, Biggi Veira and Daniel August felt the urge to reunite. They set up a makeshift studio in a summer cottage in the depths of the lava field. Secluded in silence and beauty they began working on their seventh studio album and have delivered Arabian Horse - a full length that brims with highlights showcasing GusGus’ versatility and stunning songwriting ability to creative levels that is their greatest accomplishment in their 27+ year history.

A vast array of illustrious guest musicians and singers abound on these powerful ten new songs. Most prominently, the long awaited return of former band member and gifted vocalist "Earth" Hákonardóttir who appears on the three songs “Be With Me”, “Arabian Horse” and “Over”. Hogni Elisson recently released a wonderful album with his band Hjaltalin and lends his voice to some of the album's most memorable and deepest moments. Samúel Jón Samúelsson contributes the elevating, goosebump-inducing string arrangements, Davd Thor Jonsson contributes accordion and the banjo.

It’s a fact that GusGus retrace their original influences and have created a dance pop album that equally resonates a forgotten period of early ‘90’s dance pop (think The Beloved), classic house music and urban soul a la Massive Attack. But make no mistake, Arabian Horse does not sound like pure retro in any way. It's deeply rooted in the sound of today backed by one of the most state-of-the-art quality productions Kompakt has released to date. Still need a tag? Why not: Icelandic Hi-Tech Soul. — (via Label)


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Label: Kompakt
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Repress
Released: 2011
Genre: Electronic
Style: Progressive House, House, Tech House

File under: House / Electro / Techno
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