I think there is something special about the sound that can be achieved when a female vocalist fronts a group, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Florence and The Machine and Garbage to name a few which come to mind. And this band do not disappoint. The progressive pop/electro indie sound and Anne Lise Frokedal’s chilling, eerie vocals, produced by this Norwegian group provide a unique, despairing sound that can break your heart.
The groups percussion is played at times with the relaxed and rhythmic beauty of Massive Attack, the bass and guitar played with many different effects including a heavy, infectious riff not unlike the familiar sound of Muse on “Sarah83” and Frokedal’s vocals are performed with a genuine fragile beauty which have a uniqueness not too dissimilar to the hugely talented Florence Welch, of Florence and The Machine. There are doses of synthpop and eerie keyboards which add depth and progressiveness to the complex and versatile sound, present on this self titled, debut album, which is void of a bad track, with tracks 1, 8 and 10 been particular highlights.
Top Of The Hill is a chilled out track, which starts the ball rolling and introduces us to the very unique sound of Frokedal’s vocals. Synthed keyboards add pop appeal and a gentle infectious drum beat and layers of melodic guitar enhance and help to deliver this fantastic track.
Brother is slightly more upbeat then the last, there is a more joyous edge to the vocals and very pretty guitar melodies and gentle riffs which show us already that this group are a diverse act. More eerie synths and keys add depth and complete a very good track indeed.
Attic begins with heavy drums and synths before heavy guitar riffs and Frokedal’s lyrics which are presented with wonderful passion and volume, which echo freakishly, adding a spine tingling depth to this very good electro rock number.
Whisper is a sweet and melodic track; there are nice sections of plucked guitar and tense keyboards. The vocals are slightly more restrained but still manage to trigger deep emotions within the listener. Not the group’s best work but by no means anything less than very good.
The Dharma Bums is a spooky song with fragile, despairing vocals on top of warped, eerie keyboards, which are held together with a gentle bass and a steady drum rhythm, which haunt and excite, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Turn Away is a little more upbeat and electro with poppy keys and rhythms and warmth to the vocals which start to melt the haunting ice around her throat. The chorus is truly addictive, while the track still remains haunting and depressing.
Deep octave climbing bass and gentle guitar played over upbeat drums and percussion lay a soft pop background to The Escape. Frokedal embraces this with her vocals and sets the song alight as she sings with a happiness and sadness which contradicts and compels.
Someone New features a more complex guitar which plays alongside high tempo drums and gentle notes from keyboards which set this song up as a vibrant indie tune, which is vocally matched as each verse climaxes with reaching high vocal notes before pausing to allow short sections of pop synths and keys to play before the next verse of eerie vocals begins. A complex and classy track, which has progressive layers of frightening beauty, which is as good as any on this brilliant album.
Feathers is a short instrumental which sends the listener into an underwater dream with eerie synths and a scratchy analogue sound, this track is definitely missing the groups amazing vocals, however it flows seamlessly into the next track acting as a long intro, which does allow forgiveness.
Sarah83 is an amazing track and a great way to end. Heavy bass and guitar riffs, which are laced with effects flood the ear drums with a Muse like sound which allow Frokedal’s vice which too has lashings of effects added to truly flourish and darken and hit you in the face like an early morning splash of icy cold water, during this heavy, electro rock gem.
Keep your eye on this group, there sound is unique and infectious and this album is a brilliant collection of well written and well composed tracks. Anne Lise Frokedal’s voice is compelling and beautiful and the album superb.
Stereoboard Rating: 8/10
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Top Of The Hill is a chilled out track, which starts the ball rolling and introduces us to the very unique sound of Frokedal’s vocals. Synthed keyboards add pop appeal and a gentle infectious drum beat and layers of melodic guitar enhance and help to deliver this fantastic track.
