Review MØL “Dreamcrush”

Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city, offering a diverse cultural scene. There is also a blackened heart beating in Aarhus. The city is home of Møl, a band launching their newest studio effort, “Dreamcrush”.

Møl formed in 2012, releasing two EPs before unveiling their debut full-length album in 2018. These releases brought the band to the attention of Nuclear Blast. “Dreamcrush” is Møl’s third album, featuring 11 songs.

The Danish five-piece’s sound is a fusion of post-black metal and shoegaze — a very interesting combination indeed. It’s the dark nature of both genres that acts as a unifying force in their music. Our journey through the album begins with the song “Dream”, which is certainly no ‘unicorn dream’. It is more like a fever dream with atmospheric moments interacting with sinister outbursts driven by the hoarse screams of frontman Kim Song Sternkopf. The blackened inspiration is clear, and it is the breaking of patterns that gives the song its dynamic quality. The tension between calmer structures and sinister outbursts also characterises songs like “Hud”.

“Garland” showcases more shoegaze influences, and it’s worth noting that Møl always incorporate a melodic element into their music, no matter how heavy their songs blast out of your speakers. Melodies play an important role in “Favour”, a melancholic and emotional song. Despite a blackened blast in the second half, the song remains calm, wrapping your soul in shades of grey.

“∞” is a peaceful interlude that introduces “Dissonance”, whose thrill is created by musical polarity. “Dissonance” picks up the vibe of “∞”and creates its own sense of excitement through musical counterpoints. Malevolent screams and peaceful soundscapes interact, but the screams seem to be the more disturbing element here. “Mimic” is straightforward and to the point, a ferocious blast that leads to the pulsating finale of the album, “Crush”.

Dreamcrush is an album that merges different influences. Pop-like melodies, heavy-hearted sounds, and furious outbursts are the main pillars of this versatile album. Møl combine these elements to create an intriguing whole that is worth exploring. Dreamcrush” – the perfect musical blend of hygge and inner turbulence.