Carbon Based Lifeforms
„Derelicts“
Electro, Downbeat, Acid, Ambient. CD, Remaster 2016 (2003)

Carbon Based Lifeforms (CBL) was founded in 1996 by Johannes Hedberg and Daniel Segerstad in Gothenburg, Sweden. Their focus is on ambient, downbeat, acid, and psybient. "Derelicts" (meaning abandoned) is their seventh release. An interesting aspect of "Derelicts" is the spoken-word vocals by Ester Nannmark, featured in some tracks. Alongside a fair amount of spacey sounds, we also hear psybient. Anyone who says that these two aren't exactly paragons of dynamics is musically correct. However, anyone who criticizes this hasn't understood ambient music. I'm speaking from a technical standpoint; musical taste, of course, is immeasurable. "Derelicts" thrives on its atmosphere, which, while slowly building, is never boring.  

Another record with elaborate artwork. In fact, the whole album is very well designed. However, there is one negative point: both records were badly warped and I had to use a flattener on them. Now they are straight and sound good.

On side A, I particularly like the song "Derelicts" with its broad, epic foundation and spoken vocals. "Obsolete technology, derelict machines." Wasn't vinyl already gone from the market? For me, it's an atmospheric song. The song "Nattväsen," which means "Creatures of the Night," is truly outstanding. It plays with different spoken vocal styles. A girl disappears in the woods and is never found. The keyboards and synthesizers sound like music from a music box. For me, it's the best track.

LP B offers more psychedelic music overall. I particularly like the song "780 Days" with its organic foundation. A good track.

Side C is more expansive again. I can't single out any one song, but that doesn't mean side C isn't good. It fits in, but for me, it has less impact.

"Less Aversion" builds slowly and exudes a positive vibe. Side D and the album end with "Everwave." It has a spacey atmosphere and allows "Derelicts" to fade out peacefully.

"Derelicts" is a multifaceted album; simply categorizing it as space ambient doesn't do it justice. I hear elements of electro, space ambient, downbeat, and psybient. The fusion is successful. This album draws on all its predecessors and isn't intended to be anything new. "Derelicts" is an atmospheric and dense work. 

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.

No AI was used in the making of this Review.
©28.07.2026