Phonophani, aka Espen Sommer Eide (Tromsø, 1972) is a musician and artist currently living in Bergen. He is also a member of the band Alog. Live he uses elaborate setups of custom made instruments, hybrids combining electronic and acoustic elements. He has several releases on the record label Rune Grammofon. Alogs album “Miniatures” was awarded the Norwegian Grammy-award (Spellemannprisen) in 2006. At the Ekko-festival he will perform pieces from his latest album “Kreken”, using a custom built Concertina accordion/Monome hybrid called: the Concertinome.

“Kreken” is the fourth album from Phonophani, possibly Norway´s most original and inventive electronica musician today. In addition to being a multi-instrumentalist he is also a digital electronics expert, programmer and instrument builder, which goes a long way in explaining why he doesn´t sound much like anything else. While he has previously turned his attention to other cultures and traditions, with ”Kreken” he has now tuned his ears to Norway´s own traditional folk music and instruments, it´s melodic content and special tuning systems, all treated electronically in one way or another. Among the guests are Jenny Hval (Rockettothesky) and American guitarist David Grubbs (Gastr Del Sol, The Red Krayola).

“Kreken is perhaps Sommer Eide’s most personal record to date. It is also his richest and most complex. A true original and an inspired artist, Espen Sommer Eide has once again created with Kreken a work that is like no other, and while he in essence sticks to a formula which has until now proven extremely successful, his approach is totally different, and pushes into territories he has never ventured in before. He has, with every new Phonophani record, become more confident in his method. This record is the work of a visionary musician at his creative peak.” 4.9/5.
- The Milk Factory (UK)