I've always had a long fascination with Tim Hecker's work, which I've likened to having the privilege of peering into the center of the universe just before the Big Bang is set in motion. This is the moment before the entire universe is thrown into a chaotic state, expanding for all eternity and blissfully unaware of its own eventual demise; the eye of the storm, where impending doom is right around the corner and in every direction all that is visible is swirling mass of atmosphere, waiting for the right moment to unleash hell; or in the case of his most recent release, the crest of a Herculean wave standing tall like a wild behemoth, savoring the last second of peace before obliterating the shoreline in a cataclysmic opera of physical forces. These are just a few instances of the imagery that Hecker's works conjures; they are as endless as the textures and layers he employs, but not nearly as fun to experience.

Norberg, Sweden is a recorded track from a performance in none other than Norberg, Sweden, and those familiar with the Hecker sound will instantly feel at home, amidst all the droning, swelling, expansive textures which accumulate and build until right before their breaking point and then slowly recede. Those new to Hecker should note that this is as friendly an introduction to his work as you are likely to receive, as the noise contingent is kept to a minimum and this freely mimics ambient artists while still turning it on its head in the typical Hecker fashion. It's clean, in a way which Hecker generally cares not to be, but here he dares to be a cut above the rest and brings the listener into the fold all the more easily. I'd say one of the more rewarding features of Hecker's past works is its challenging nature, and even though Norberg, Sweden certainly is more approachable than its immediate predecessor, that's not to say he's at all sacrificed the complexity and sophistication of his project. Al contraire! here the listener is treated to all of the above and more, all in a bit-size twenty minutes.

Inevitably, any attempt to describe Hecker's work will result in failure. It is a powerful force which resists being pigeonholed into standard modes of thought. Fortunately, this is in no way important to enjoying the music itself. All that is required there is a pair of ears and twenty minutes to experience this sound artist demonstrating why experimental music is so beautiful (and why Hecker remains at the top of crowd). Few can compare to Hecker's skill and dominance in this world, he continues to shine brightly in the dark night sky, even if traveling the speed of light.

-Jordan Volz