Sometimes when reviewing albums I find myself feeling at a loss for words. It happens especially when I run in to works like Faroese quintet ORKA’s debut ‘Livandi Oyða’, something so stunningly unique that when trying to describe the music it becomes painfully obvious that English is not my first language.

Neither is Faroese (it’s not even on the list) so I can’t do a detailed analysis of their lyrics, just tell that according to my research they are poems by acclaimed Faroese poet Jóanes Nielsen comparing human being to and against the desolate landscape of the Atlantic islands. A theme reflected in the album title which translates directly to “living place of desolation”.

Whether it’s a feeling based on this new knowledge or feelings actually evoked by the sounds and songs is a little clouded right now, but their harsh, dark – near-demonic at times – and intensive universe nevertheless does the lyrical theme and album title justice.

When I first discovered ORKA (meaning “power”) I – wrongfully – labeled it electronica, at a loss for words and confused by the fact that almost half the album are remixes by The Third Eye Foundation, Com-Data, Deadverse (Dälek) and Bookworms. A more befitting label is industrial with German pioneers Einstürzende Neubauten a palpable comparison.

And as with the Germans power tools are part of the quintet’s expression. In fact all instruments heard on ‘Livandi Oyða’ are homemade, build from scrap material and said tools by ORKA founder Jens L. Thomsen, friends and family and named appropriately (there’s the Hydro Harp, Bottle Organ, Bow & Saw, Axe, and Cement Mixer to name a few).

As said it’s stunningly unique – and haunting, challenging, mad and quite simply amazing!

Post Scriptum: There seems to be some confusion about their name. On their MySpace, the label website and merchandise they’re called ORKA, while ORCA is the spelling used on the cover of my copy of the album and elsewhere. So I’ll assume both are okay to use…

Genre: Alternative/Industrial
Who: ORKA
Title: Livandi Oyða
Label: Tutl
Year: 2007
Country: Faroe Islands
Language: Faroese
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Recommended tracks:
Fjøllini Standa Úti – Livandi Oyða – Volmar Letur Eygað Aftur (The Third Eye Foundation RMX feat. Com-Data) – Fepur (Com-Data RMX)