After Forever

Danish electronic artist Kasper Bjorke explores the dark side on his shadowy fourth album, After Forever. The hooky, winking pop of 2012's excellent Fool has been shoved under the rug in favor of pulsing, '80s-inspired darkwave tones that sound like a midnight drive through the outskirts of town. A mix of strong, evocative instrumentals and his usual collaborations with guest vocalists, After Forever sounds unlike any of Bjorke's prior releases. Standout cuts like the moody, romantic soul of "Sylvia," which features a particularly lush vocal effort by Cæcilie Trier (CTM, Choir of Young Believers), and the delightfully creepy electropop instrumental "Grit" highlight this highly engaging left turn by an artist who likes to keep fans guessing. ~ Timothy Monger