Copenhagen-based singer/songwriter and musician Jonatan K. Magnussen is the frontman of Danish goth outfit The Love Coffin, and the creative mastermind of the solo recording project and JOVM mainstay act Chopper. With Chopper, Magnussen specializes in what he has dubbed “shock pop,” a crowd-pleasing sound that draws from Eurodance, glam roc, industrial electronica, disco and B horror films.
Thematically, last year’s Shock Pop Vol. 1 was an exploration of the inherent dualities of the human condition that touched upon love, sexuality and carefree joy. Sonically, the mini-album was influenced by Pet Shop Boys, Skinny Puppy and Underworld — and saw Magnussen attempting to play those influences within a modern context.
The forthcoming mini-album Shock Pop Vol. 2 is reportedly a stark contrast to the exuberant, dance floor friendly material of its predecessor. Shock Pop Vol. 2 sees the Danish artist crating a broodingly atmospheric, cinematic sound that’s seems indebted to Rebel Yell-era Billy Idol, The Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Scary Monsters-era Bowie and others.
Last year, I wrote about Shock Pop Vol. 2 single “Moongirl,” a slow-burning, cinematic track featuring atmospheric synths, a hypnotic and propulsive bass line, thunderous boom bap-like drum machines, twinkling keys, buzzing bursts of guitar paired with Magnussen’s dramatic delivery — and his penchant for crafting enormous, rousingly anthemic hooks. The song reveals an artist, who is able to recreate that big 80s arena rock-like ballad with an uncanny specificity paired with introspective, melancholy lyrics and a subtly modern take.
Shock Pop Vol. 2’s second and final single “Living for the Night” sonically channels the late 80s-early 90s Madchester scene and “Walk on the Wild Side” — with the song built around a relentless motorik-like grove, twinkling keys, buzzing synths, mournful jazz trumpet and saxophone and skittering beats paired with Magnussen’s breathy croon. Conveying a blend of cool, sleaze and melancholy, the song captures and evokes the essence of being young, reckless and carefree, the irresistible temptation of nighttime activities, and a bit of denial of the inevitability of aging and death.
Filmed by Amalie Maj and Thomas Skjølstrup, the accompanying video for “Living for the Night” follows Magnussen on romp through the seedy underbelly of presumably Copenhagen’s nightlife.
