The Silence Set – Teeth Out

The curious may well be pulled in by the presence of Nils Frahm and Heather Woods Broderick (whose recent Glider album is one of the unsung jewels of 2015), but The Silence Set are a stout enough proposition to make their case without the need for starry patronage: their guests merely add colour. Teeth Out, an exquisite display of baroque songcraft, took three years to shape and record and, in line with its provenance, it takes its time getting under your skin.

The Swedish pairing of Dag Rosenqvist and Johan G Winther employ simple and largely traditional instrumentation, with just enough electronic accompaniment and processing to add drama and bite. At its best, as on Woods Broderick's Worry, Glory or the startling opener We Will Die Enraged, The Silence Set are largely true to their name but the effect is often shattering nevertheless.