Kasbo ‘The Making of a Paracosm’

Swedish electronic producer Kasbo, born Carl Garsbo, has finally unveiled his full-length sophomore album The Making of a Paracosm. 

Over two years removed from his first record, Places We Don’t Know, this record was long awaited by fans of his like myself. Kasbo took to social media to discuss the creative blocks he encountered while producing this record as well as issues with his mental health and hearing. But finally, we have reached the culmination of his journey.

The title, The Making of a Paracosm, alludes to the creation of a detailed imaginary world. In a sense, this record is Kasbo’s way of inviting you into his world, to see things from his perspective. 

Paracosms are generally created in childhood, giving them an innocent quality; a child-like ignorance secluded from the evils and imperfections of the world, which Kasbo illustrates on songs like “Shut the World Out” and “Play Pretend.” 

Kasbo touches on other themes in the record like the difficulties of “Staying in Love.” He even gives us a taste of his own Swedish heritage with the track “Skogsra.” In the lyric video for the song, Kasbo gives us the backstory: 

If you’ve ever listened to anything Kasbo has produced, you know that he’s capable of sonic magic. His sound is characterized by rich soundscapes with gleaming, vibrant, waving synths and drums that you feel in your chest. 

The album in its entirety is a masterpiece. It both encapsulates the signature Kasbo sound that we’ve come to love and displays his evolution as a producer and songwriter. 

With 14 tracks and features from vocalists including Ourchives, Frida Sundemo, Florian Rosetti, Noomi, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Nea and Freja the Dragon, The Making of a Paracosm is truly an ethereal journey into a different world.   

Rating: 10/10

Written by Sam Kalchbrenner, Edited by Emma Barsky