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6
SONG
Susanne Sundfør
“Deilig er jorden”
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Susanne Sundfør’s latest album “Blómi” was voted by us in the newspaper as the very best released in 2023. She has not been silent this year either, including concerts at Oslo Spektrum that received top marks there as well. When she now tries to go quietly, it becomes so powerful that she nearly breaks the ceiling. Sundfør has chosen a Norwegian song, meaning an originally German song but with Norwegian lyrics that everyone knows. This is essentially an all-year Christmas song, but it is especially lovely right now. Still, it takes courage to do yet another version of “Deilig er jorden,” one of the most interpreted songs we have, Christmas or not.
Sundfør starts tender and muted vocally, a light voice breaking in dialect against a dark and massive underlying wall created by the thickest double bass strings of Ole Morten Vågan and the synth coils of Ståle Storløkken. We are talking about two of Norway’s leading jazz musicians, from Trondheim Jazz Orchestra among many other projects, who here elevate perhaps the very best voice when used as Sundfør does here. The production is innovative, the song is otherworldly, yet it reflects the seriousness of the world right now, with a range and an ability to rest in the text that reminds us why Susanne Sundfør is one of Norway’s finest artists.
Linni has released a new album, “Søvngjenger,” which is one of the better offerings that the productive Bergen rapper can add to the already substantial stack of solo releases. Here, Jonas Grieg shows why he, like Linni, or Handerre Linni, from Yoguttene and in more recent years on his own, is among the most distinctive voices in Norwegian music, consistently veering outside of genre, creating moods, linguistic imagery, and small assaults on the senses like few others. “Søvngjenger” deserves to be heard as a work in itself, full of impulses, ideas, and references back to his own catalog.
“Oase” was the first single and is a slow, strumming love song like it has never been made before. But here there are plenty more tracks that grow with each listen, including “Bah si meh hvor,” the almost grime-hard “Skyar,” and the outright fantastic “Løp tjommi lø
“Søvngjenger” – a new Bergen rap anthem that reminds us that Linni learned the craft from listening to gangsta rap. At the same time, it is a beautiful example of how he creates soundscapes like no other, featuring elements of mega-slow jazz, electronica, and hints of straighter pop.
Not to forget the devil-may-care twinkle in his eye and appreciation for the simple things, often those from yesterday, such as when he turns “Midtnytt” into a off-piste Lillelørdag pastiche. That song is an example of the backward-looking nature of this album, a psychedelic laid-back piece with lyrics that leave you shaking your head. Linni knows how to juggle language, jargon, slang, voice, and stamina, and his humor is so dry at times that one might wonder what has happened to Bergen. But mostly, “Søvngjenger” has a musicality that transforms even the strangest songs into small elegant and whimsical works in their own right, but with an underlying intensity in a well-crafted production that ushers them into the larger whole that characterizes this album.
Read also: Jacob Collier in Oslo Spektrum showcased genius in full bloom (+)
Norsk Råkk kicks up the energy
4
SONG
Norsk Råkk
“Energi”
In times like these, it is good to hear that some still hold the Norwegian rock flag high. The band Norsk Råkk from Moss and Østfold has come along well in recent years, and since 2021 it has been a bit quiet from that corner. Now that’s over, and they are literally back with “Energi.” Now the synths are out, the guitar noise rips away any pockmarks, and the vocals are classic Norwegian rock, to put it that way.
This band stands on the shoulders of the golden age within the genre, such as Raga Rockers, Jokke and Valentinerne, and a good dose of garage rock bands that have come and gone down the E6 towards the Swedish border. “Energi” is also the title of the EP that gathers the title track and the songs “Firkantverden” and “Magnetisme,” which came earlier this fall. They are a bit more genre-shaped than “Energi,” which stands out as the start of a new chapter from the band, which not surprisingly mumbles that their sixth album will arrive in 2025, four years after its predecessor.
Kalandra calms down with “Ghosts”
One of the most forward-moving bands in Norwegian melodic hard rock and metal with folk references is Kalandra. After an active year with, among other things, extensive touring in Europe, they tone it down many notches with “Ghosts,” which is described as a winter song. And it is slightly chilly and beautiful like a fine December morning, one of those that never really releases the light. Kalandra vocalist Katrine Stenbekk describes it: “I imagined that Enya met Type O Negative — a dark but peaceful contrast,” and with that, the band’s inspiration is clearly revealed. Here in the form of ethereal and resonant vocals over vast landscapes, and acoustic leads where the heavy, dark, and sluggish metal rock usually rumbles beneath.
Earlier this year, their second album “A Frame Of Mind” was released, while their version of Wardruna’s “Helvegen” continues to gain a new audience. This new song could also give them a foot into a broader market. On “Ghosts,” the instrumentation is dreamy and spherical, almost meditative, with softer strings and Stenbekk’s vocals resonating throughout. “Wintertime whispers softly at my door/Within myself the old traditions flow/from somewhere ancient,” she sings, like a thin layer of rhyme over a stream of thoughts.
Djerv with “Rebel Heart” in Netflix’ “Arcane Season 2”
Norwegian Djerv is somewhat legendary within Norwegian metal, a rock beast anchored in former Animal Alpha vocalist Agnete Kjølsrud’s voice and the interplay with drummer Erlend Gjerde. The two still form the core of the band, which found a foot within the gaming community with the hit “Get Jinxed” for League of Legends, created specifically for Jinx. The song has reached single-digit streaming numbers, but
This weekend, the entire “Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 (Soundtrack From The Animated Series)” is released, and Djerv’s song has already garnered over half a million streams on Spotify. It is a cheerful pill that is propelled forward by Kjølsrud’s primal scream of a vocal, which accompanies the character Jinx again, and she balances it perfectly against something softer that helps make both the song and the expression melodic, epic, and grand.
Djerv was off the scene for a considerable time before making a comeback at Tons of Rock in 2019, while Kjølsrud has solo guest appearances with both Dimmu Borgir and Gåte. On this song, guitarist in Fixation, Martin Stenstad Selen, contributes as producer and co-songwriter. He adds much that makes this a guaranteed international genre hit in the range between hard rock and furious metal, with a core of something tragically sad deep down somewhere.
Read also: Queens of the Stone Age return to Øyafestivalen
Synne Sørgjerd with a Christmas wish
Yes, that is indeed the question these days, “Snill i år”? Synne Sørgjerd has of course her own twist on this, naturally, she wants one who does as she says, “who says it’s me he wants.” The tree is decorated and dinner is almost ready, but “where are you now?” sings Synne Sørgjerd in familiar style, bubbling with insightful and self-deprecating humor over a pop-rock accompaniment that really radiates alternative Christmas cheer.
Synne Sørgjerd has spent the year well, with a series of good songs, the EP “Beige, Tam and Midde Man,” and a couple of concerts at Bylarm that gained her many new friends. “Snill i år” is a semi-romantic dream that ultimately crashes into reality, as often happens in Sørgjerd’s songs, this time in a cheerful and hopeful song with melancholy lying underneath. And best of all, this is a Christmas pop-rock song that presses all the right buttons and can have quite a long life on the wish lists.
Read also: Three evenings with the next big stars - see the photos from Bylarm 2024
Christmas with Aden Foyer
A year ago, Aden Foyer pulled out the smoking jacket and slippers before Christmas, then with the crooner “Your Face On Christmas Day.” Now he and co-songwriter/producer Paul Hers are adding even more bells and playful harmonies with festive turns in the overly nostalgic “Christmas Reminds Me.” The lyrics are mostly a mishmash of all classic British and American Christmas songs, but underneath lies the seriousness and sadness, reminding us that this Christmas is not everything it should be, whether it’s in the immediate circle or in the world.
Also about a year ago, Aden Foyer won “Breakthrough of the Year” at the P3 Gull awards, not unwarranted and certainly not because of the Christmas songs. Jonas Engelschiøn Mjåset, as he is named, is an eventually seasoned songwriter for others and an artist who has moved from the hyper-commercial to creating retro-rock gems with grand arrangements. “Christmas Reminds Me” is an extension of this, a Christmas stocking of a song that right now in November becomes a bit too much Christmas, but who knows if it will blend into the greater mix in a couple of weeks.
Read also the review of new songs: Honningbarna tear at the soul and Vaarin lies awake
What is the significance of Kalandra’s new single “Ghosts” in the context of their music style?
E6 towards the Swedish border. The Norwegian band has released an EP titled ”Energi,” which includes the title track alongside “Firkantverden” and “Magnetisme.” This EP marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band, who have hinted that their sixth album is set to arrive in 2025, following a four-year hiatus since their last release.
<h3 class="headingStyledHeading-sc-17ocsci-0 iennIb”>Kalandra calms down with “Ghosts”
Kalandra is recognized as one of the most innovative bands in Norway’s melodic hard rock and metal scene, weaving in folk influences. After a busy touring schedule in Europe, they have released “Ghosts,” described as a winter song that evokes the chill and beauty of a serene December morning. Vocalist Katrine Stenbekk likens it to an imagined collaboration between Enya and Type O Negative, highlighting its dark yet peaceful essence. The song features ethereal vocals layered over rich instrumentation, creating an almost meditative atmosphere. Kalandra aims to use this single to reach a broader audience, building on the success of their second album, “A Frame Of Mind,” and their rendition of Wardruna’s “Helvegen.”
<h3 class="headingStyledHeading-sc-17ocsci-0 iennIb”>Djerv with “Rebel Heart” in Netflix’ “Arcane Season 2”
Djerv, a band with legendary status in the Norwegian metal scene, is fronted by Agnete Kjølsrud, former vocalist of Animal Alpha. Their latest track, part of the “Arcane League of Legends: Season 2” soundtrack, has already gained significant streaming traction on Spotify. “Rebel Heart” showcases Kjølsrud’s powerful vocal performance, seamlessly blending primal screams with melodic undertones. The band has gained recognition within the gaming community, and their evolution continues with contributions from Fixation’s Martin Stenstad Selen as producer and co-writer, promising an international appeal with their unique blend of hard rock and metal.
Read also: Queens of the Stone Age return to Øyafestivalen
<h3 class="headingStyledHeading-sc-17ocsci-0 iennIb”>Synne Sørgjerd with a Christmas wish
Synne Sørgjerd brings her unique twist to the festive season with her song “Snill i år,” exploring themes of longing and romantic dreams against a backdrop of pop-rock accompaniment. The track combines cheerful melodies with underlying melancholy, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit. Sørgjerd’s recent achievements, including a successful EP and performances at Bylarm, position her as a rising star in the Norwegian music scene. Her Christmas offering is a delightful addition to any holiday playlist.
Read also: Three evenings with the next big stars – see the photos from Bylarm 2024
<h3 class="headingStyledHeading-sc-17ocsci-0 iennIb”>Christmas with Aden Foyer
Aden Foyer’s contribution to Christmas music promises a refreshing take, blending modern sounds with traditional holiday elements to create a memorable listening experience.