In 2008, Swedish sibling experimental duo The Knife was invited to write the music for a modern rock opera contracted by theater experimentalists Hotel Pro Forma. Tomorrow, In a year is the result of the siblings Olof Dreijer and Karin Dreijer-Andersson (Fever Ray). The opera centers around Darwin’s the Origin of the Species. The soundtrack also features Berlin based Mt. Sims and experimentalist Planningtorock.
The opera premiered in September of 2009 and footage of the epic “Coloring of the Pigeons” is available on the Knife’s website. Between the trailer and the streaming footage on the site, viewers are able to have their mind completely blown with fucked up visuals and the trippy music that the Knife has become famous for. Tomorrow, In a Year is the perfect opera soundtrack for individuals who don’t like opera. Haunting, beautiful and a perfect progression to different veins, the Knife offers ambient and cohesive tunes covering evolution and a journey throughout the Galapagos.
Upon first releasing the soundtrack, Dreijer-Andersson expressed concerns, exclaiming that she didn’t even know the meaning of the word libretto. Despite their lack of opera experience, Tomorrow, In a Year is a deep and cerebral recalling of historical content. Individuals who have grown accustomed and fallen in love with the beaty synth nature of The Knife’s earlier work will find a style very divergent. Once you get past the fact that this is not another electronic dance album, you will see the profound brilliance of the album.
Unlike many operas adopted by independent artists, this one is an incredibly serious work. Many will be turned away by the seemingly pretentious subject matter and lack of quirk, but both the opera and the soundtrack illustrate a piece of work that is both well thought and brilliant. Encompassing many moods, spanning from warm to icy cold, the album spans many different emotions and feelings, wrapped together into one epic performance. Much of the appeal is lost without the visual aid of the opera, but as an atmospheric work of art, Tomorrow, In a Year succeeds admirably.
As far as comparing the album with the Knife’s previous works, drawing parallels is near impossible. What listeners will find is a new direction taken by talented musicians who seem capable of succeeding at any form of music they put their minds to.
