Carbon Based Lifeforms
„Seeker“
Double LP Blue Vinyl, 2024. Electro, Ambient

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 music. They use, among other things, a Roland TB-303 synthesizer. In 2024, their album "Seeker" was released as a digital album (WAV, FLAC, AAC, MP3), CD, and vinyl. However, the vinyl version is not always available.

"Seker" takes us to distant planets in search of carbon-based lifeforms. At least, that's what the cover suggests to me, and as a longtime science fiction fan, I find it easy to translate this style into an "imaginary" story. It's pure imagination. Others might see "Seeker" more spiritually; many interpretations are possible.

There are 11 songs on this double album, and I can't really single any one out. It's also difficult to explain the evolution of the individual songs, especially for a discerning "non-electro fan." I'm particularly impressed by the sound structures, ranging from techno-like to organic-sounding, with many subtle nuances and developments. The first LP contains six songs: "Seeker" (a recommended track), "Bloom Pt. 1," and "Bloom Pt. 2." The vocals on the latter two tracks are by Karin My Andersson, with Simon Welander on guitar. Side B continues with "Fauna" (bass – Oscar Pahlm, guitar – Simon Welander), my second recommendation, "Nukleator" (drums – Jonas Jönsson, vocals – Karin My Andersson), and "Starfish," also featuring Karin My. Sides A and B are varied and showcase CBL's melodic abilities.

LP C begins with the dynamic "Departed" (a recommended track), followed by Karin My's vocals in "Gone." A subtle beginning, whispered words, and then the song expands. It could almost be the heart of this album. "Rymder3000" features vocals by Ester Nannmark and Lars Netzel. Very expansive and epic. I don't really like it. Ultimately, for me, the heart of this beautiful album lies on side D. "Sync2n" summarizes all the different styles again. However, the excellent closing track "...And On" contributes to this. Here, the vocals are once again by Ester Nannmark.

Conclusion of a discerning electronic music listener. I like Goldfrapp, some gothic wave, Jean-Michel Jarre, and spacey ambient music. I'm not a big fan of techno, dance, or house. CBL hits the sweet spot for me between dynamics and ambient. Interesting for dreaming, suitable for background listening, but also for focused listening. My only criticism: sometimes the melodies are close to kitsch, without actually becoming kitschy.

The record, however, is a different story; it sounds clear and looks good. Unfortunately, both records are badly warped and had to be flattened first.

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.
©09.02.2026