Bremer/McCoy Utopia (Vinyl LP)

Bremer/McCoy is a Danish duo of Jonathan Bremer on acoustic bass and Morten McCoy on the keyboards and tape delay. While the two started as a reggae group (believe it or not), their sound has transformed into an amorphous mix of jazz, dub, and neo-classical. "Most of our songs have lyrics even though they are instrumental. Although some of our tunes are more conceptual and dub-like, most of our tunes are songs with clear melodies."

Utopia is a tale of juxtaposition. On one hand, the music paints an idyllic and dynamic soundscape. Lead single "Højder" springs with bright, twinkling keys – part Wurlitzer, part piano – balanced by a warm, sauntering bassline that has the feel of a tango. Others, like "Tusmørke" lean more into the jazz lane, a sultry nighttime tune sizzling with violins and dubbed out keys. On the other hand, Utopia was by no means made under ideal circumstances. The duo battled constant technical difficulties – exploding reel-to-reel machines, a mixing board that constantly broke down – as if haunted by the malfunctioning gear. Bremer was dealing with personal issues at home that made recording a struggle at times.

Utopia encapsulates what Bremer/McCoy do best: kaleidoscopic instrumental music, touching a multiverse of genre that evokes passion and promotes contemplation.