Morten Alsinger, the man behind Tralalas, is new to us, but if you were around in Denmark in the ‘80s and ‘90s, you’ll know his work.

By Graeme Smith

Alsinger worked on a range of electro-punk and electronic projects over the two decades before stepping away from music in the mid-‘90s to focus on family life. He was back in the ‘00s as part of electronica duo VERTICAL before teaming up with singer-songwriter Heidi Lindahl. That project eventually developed into this solo one – Tralalas.

That’s not to say that Alsinger has dropped Lindahl. She’s still very much involved, providing vocals and backing vocals on the project’s debut album, Ornament. Together they work alongside Thomas Golzen on bass and guitar, Francis Nørgaard Jensen on  drums, Christina Schmidt Damm on additional keyboards, and Thomas Olsen on additional drums. Production comes from Thomas Li.

It’s Alsinger’s growling lead vocals that strike you most in Ornament, though. They match the noir of album opener Burns perfectly, holding their own against comparable greats like Tom Waits or the late Messrs Mark Lanegan and Leonard Cohen.

An echoing depth permeates each track. Listen on headphones and you find yourself at the bottom of a sonic cavern. Classic dark pop blends easily with Americana and rock, creating a cocktail that may not be fatal but will certainly have you lying down for a time.

Kirch Beach feels like Chris Isaak at his best while Winter on the Vine tempers things with a bright percussiveness. Its poetic lyrics makes it an early highlight.

It’s in Hinterlands that Tralalas truly starts to break from the pack, blending electronica and folk uniquely. From there we get the bombastic, dreamy rock of Cph Lake, the laidback groove of Moon and Head, the psychedelic surrealness of Should Have Gone To Japan, and the life-affirming lushness of Say, another highlight.

Stone In A Well closes the album in a wonderfully lingering way, fully embracing the spirit of the ‘60s with ponderous guitar and Lucy In The Sky overtones. It’s a beautiful final step on a journey.

I was on the verge of finalising my albums of the year, but experience reminded me that there’s always a late entry to the list. Ornament is that late entry and needs to be considered among the best of them. Alsinger has channelled his experience into something truly exceptional.

Ornament is out now on Aenaos Records. It’s available digitally and on limited-edition vinyl. You can listen to it below.

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