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Always putting on an intriguing live show, Denmark’s Efterklang returned to Chicago with their entourage of gentle floating layers.  Their music is soothing yet complex and creative with blissful bits of choral elements when some of the six live band members sing in unison.  Leading the group, Casper Clausen showed himself once again to be humble between songs as a contrast to his distinctive vocals soaring over the crowd whilst singing his lyrics. The band played a setlist that not only acknowledged songs from throughout their career but also celebrated them.

Efterklang have released three very solid albums and are now touring on their most recent release, 2010’s Magic Chairs.  In a way, this new album seems a little more straight forward, though there are still more intricacies than most bands can muster and pull off well both live and recording settings. Clausen’s vocals on the album also seem more forward and deeper, delving into lower ranges at times.

At their best, Efterklang successfully blends electronic samples with guitar, bass, flute, drums and trombone.  Clausen often joins in the drumming on stage front and center, which adds quite a bit to the energy of their stage presence.  Though the band’s live lineup tends to change from one tour to another, bassist Peter Broderick seems to be a more consistent live presence and always appears to be enjoying himself wholeheartedly stage left from Clausen. In fact, each member appeared enraptured several times while playing.  Clausen spoke often after many of the songs, modestly thanking his audience for their applause and creating a real sense of warmth and connection between himself and fans, who applauded enough for an encore and 75 minutes of glorious music.