Lake Hypoxia, the new EP by Swiss band Silver Firs, may sound at times like a manifesto for the pandemic. However, the band’s first release in five years is equal parts retrospective and a mediation on the now. Largely written during a hiatus, the release was ultimately completed against the backdrop of the lockdown that halted the world, allowing the band to finally develop the songs and ideas that had been accumulating.
While Silver Firs perform as a seven-piece group, the writing and production of new music has largely been in the hands of songwriter Raphael Elmiger. Working closely with vocalist Belia Winnewisser, Elmiger recorded instrumentals mostly on his own in his studio in Bern – a way of working that suits our socially-distant reality.
As with earlier releases, Lake Hypoxia is a mosaic of genres and idiosyncrasies, lovingly assembled. Elmiger returns to his early musical inspirations, making reference to personal influences like Ride, Yo la Tengo and Talking Heads. Yet, the band’s earlier sound still shines through with notes of psychedelia and dreampop and a preference for over-the-top percussion. The new songs, however, are more direct; repetitive beats, saxophone parts and percussion are seamlessly integrated, with a nod to krautrock and no wave.
Truly distinct, Silver Firs cannot be characterized by their references alone. The band strives to balance nostalgia and zeitgeist. Elmiger’s lyrics amplify this idea. While some autobiographical elements can be discerned, there are no self-contained stories or individualistic headspaces here. Rather, Lake Hypoxia seeks to document current affairs and the mindset of a greater whole.
Lake Hypoxia will be released on June 18, 2021 through Oh, Sister Records. The album cover features a ceramic by Basel-based artist Sara Gassmann.