With the release of Herzsprung, Danish musician Gustav Berntsen—recording under the moniker GB—has firmly established himself as a formidable force in contemporary Art-Rock. Following his debut Gusse Music, which navigated the intersections of post-punk and synth-pop, this second full-length effort marks a sophisticated shift toward a polished, technically complex sound. Signed to the esteemed AD 93 label, Berntsen utilizes a full band to explore the textures of 1970s jazz fusion and acid folk, resulting in an album that feels both intellectually rigorous and remarkably effortless.
A New Direction in Art Rock
The record, tracked directly to tape in a remote Swedish studio, showcases a newfound professionalism. Where earlier works by Berntsen might have leaned into the raw, eccentric energy of his Copenhagen roots, Herzsprung is defined by its density and effervescence. The opening track, “Adrenaline,” serves as a perfect introduction to this evolution. Built around tight, interlocking guitar riffs and a kinetic drum pattern, the song eventually blossoms into a lush string arrangement, bridging the gap between psych-rock and the virtuosity of artists like Antônio Carlos Jobim or the fusion-era explorations of Arthur Russell.
Compositional Depth and Cryptic Lyricism
Berntsen’s approach to songwriting is deeply rooted in compositional study, drawing inspiration from minimalists like Steve Reich. Yet, the album remains accessible. Tracks like “The Next Day” and “Belly” highlight the band’s chemistry, utilizing modal shifts and distinctive guitar tones to create a sense of mystery. The lyrics, meanwhile, are constructed through a cut-up method, with Berntsen sourcing material from free newspapers and social media to create a sense of ironic distance and uncanny intimacy.
By excavating the sounds of the past—from private-press folk to Japanese psych-rock—GB avoids the trap of mere nostalgia. Instead, he creates a collage that feels specific to our contemporary moment. As part of a generation of Rhythmic Music Conservatory graduates, including ML Buch, Berntsen is successfully recontextualizing hoary sounds into something entirely new. Herzsprung is a testament to the power of the “portal band,” where musical references serve as a gateway to deeper, more complex sonic worlds.