Not expecting a lot of people to be really interested, so I'll keep it short.

 

Serena-Maneesh

 

Norway's answer to My Bloody Valentine recorded their second album, Serena-Maneesh 2: Abyss in b-minor, in a cave outside Oslo. Released on 4AD. Sufjan Stevens features (I'm not quite sure where). Drowned In Sound gave it 8/10. Uncut: "Exquisite shoegaze".

 

Recommended track: Aysha Abyss.

 

 

Kråkesølv

 

Indie band from Bodø also released their second, Bomtur Til Jorda, but not on The Pirate Bay like their first. Critically acclaimed as the future of Norwegian rock. I could see that, only they sing in Norwegian, which is internationally a handicap. Guitar based 90's Indie rock is the best description.

 

Recommended track: Nordavind Mot Varme Kinn

 

Røyksopp

 

Electronic duo from Tromsø released their instrumental album Senior a year on the day after their pop success Junior which even Pitchfork liked. Senior is the complete opposite but I like it better. Great reception in Norway, ok abroad. More "withdrawn and introspective" than Junior and creates an "ambient" mood. Instrumental songs with good hooks. Second best Norwegian album of the year, but not too accessible.

 

Recommended track: Coming Home.

 

Dunderhonning

 

Similar to Kråkesølv, Indie band from Harstad, sing in dialect. Debut album, Sakte Ut Av Fokus (Slowly Out of Focus), is a real grower. Compared by VG to early U2

 

Recommended track: Støv

 

Jaga Jazzist

 

Experimental jazz band praised by BBC. One Armed Bandit is a progressive Jazz album if there ever was such a thing. Definatly something to check out. For fans of Sufjan.

 

Recommended track: One Armed Bandit

 

A-ha

 

Have been touring for the last time this year, and I was fortunate enough to see them live before they called it quits. They released their official Greatest Hits "25". (I predict they'll reunite).

 

Recommended track: Summer Moved On (from 2000's Minor Earth Major Sky)

 

Madrugada

 

Also released their Greatest Hits. The split up after guitarist Robert Burås tragically died in 2008. Singer Sivert Høyem released song Prisoner Of The Road and opened the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

 

Recommended track: The Kids Are On High Street (from 2005's The Deep End)

 

Susanne Sundfør

 

By far the best album of the year. Amazingly talented both as a singer and as a songwriter. The Brothel is her third album, the two previous including mainly the same songs as each other, with one being piano only and the original with a band. It's been praised by the media, and rightfully so. The title track picked up NPR's ("Someone else's misery has rarely sounded so beautiful." "The song creeps through its chord changes, with droning keyboards and the shadowy sound of an electric piano providing the bulk of the music") attention.

Her songwriting is melancholic and at some times slightly maccabre. From The Brothel: "We are ruins within ruins/On every corner a gladiator is begging for another century/When no one cut your tongue/to know nothing and to know it all/To be both the animal and god"

 

Compared to Joni Mithcell, and inspired by artists like Radiohead and Jeff Buckley. For fans of music.

 

Recommended track: The Brothel

 

For 2011

 

Kaizers Orchestra are apparently releasing 3 albums this year. They're the height of oddity, nothing like anything you've ever heard. (Ompa Til Du Dør)

 

Susanne Sundfør has said during several interviews she'll release a follow up to The Brothel during the year.

 

Kings Of Convenience could very well release an album as well.

 

There are a lot of House artists as well....

 

 

Feel free to post a similair summary of your own country/state/region :thinking:

*sufjan fangirl to thread*

Not really going to post a summary of music of my country (because it's mainly sh"t) but I am gping to say , I ABSOLUTE LOVE Susanne's Sundfør music , I LOOOOOOOOOOVE and I've never met someone who has listened to her music, the really bad part of this is that is hard to find her songs :(

Thank you a-ha.

I did a bias summary of five Australian albums that were released this year on my blog.

The links to each individual post are here; each containing links, videos etc. Take a look if you are interested.

 

Seabellies

Parades

Cloud Control

Angus & Julia Stone

Tame Impala

I am interested in this :surprised:

Serena-Maneesh

 

Norway's answer to My Bloody Valentine recorded their second album, Serena-Maneesh 2: Abyss in b-minor, in a cave outside Oslo. Released on 4AD. Sufjan Stevens features (I'm not quite sure where). Drowned In Sound gave it 8/10. Uncut: "Exquisite shoegaze".

 

Recommended track: Aysha Abyss.

Not really going to post a summary of music of my country (because it's mainly sh"t) but I am gping to say , I ABSOLUTE LOVE Susanne's Sundfør music , I LOOOOOOOOOOVE and I've never met someone who has listened to her music, the really bad part of this is that is hard to find her songs :(

 

Really? I've never met anyone outside Norway who even knows of her :awesome: Except Violet of course. Which one's you looking for? :thinking: There are a few on youtube, bu surprisingly few.

 

I am interested in this :surprised:

 

If you look at Simon's Request thread there's a link to the album a page or two back.

a-ha were very good live

i think you'll do well renaming the thread as norwegian music/bands thread.

 

thanks for the update about Kings of Convenience :thumbsup:

a-ha were very good live

 

Indeed they were!

 

 

i think you'll do well renaming the thread as norwegian music/bands thread.

 

thanks for the update about Kings of Convenience :thumbsup:

 

That is a guess! I know absolutely nothing of what they have been up to!

 

I'll get around to that :nice:

Thread title changed. I will now spam Norwegian music.

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dKi6S5uFfQ]YouTube - Susanne Sundfør - It's All Gone Tomorrow[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPkWLL4bTDA]YouTube - Tôg - Sansen[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7AU_ZX0iaU]YouTube - Röyksopp - Coming Home[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT_uwSI01Hc]YouTube - Serena-Maneeh video for "Drain Cosmetics"[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcS0ZGtT5zw]YouTube - Flunk - Six Seven Times[/ame]

 

Click one, you know you want to.

 

A belated summary of 2011...sorry if it's poorly written.

 

2011 was a good year as far as Indie's concerned. There are a few artists/bands I'd like to namecheck.

 

Team Me

Team Me released their debut album, To The Treetops! to unanimous praise amongst national media , as well as some international (NME do have some taste). Original and intriguing Indie Pop, and this years best Norwegian release. "Weathervanes and Chemicals."

 

Susanne Sundfør

A year after The Brothel, Susanne released an instrumental album consisting of Movements 1-6, barely publicized. A Night at Salle Playel is a beautiful melancholic sonic soundscape consisting of vast layers of beautifully matched synthesizers. "Movement 3"

 

Kaizers Orchestra

Norway's biggest rock group released their two first albums from the Violeta trilogy last year, Vol. 1 being one of their best releases. Stylewise they have a sharp, distinct sound. Very profilic. In one way they're our anwer to the Arcade Fire, but don't sound much like them. One of the best live bands you will ever see, Kaizers have now cemented their status as nr.1 with the eminent Hjertknuser. Note: Sing in Norwegian. "Femtakt Filosofi (Philosophy in 5/4)" ((Highlight: Die Polizei live @ Oslo Spektrum.))

 

Phaedra

An album I felt was overlooked greatly on all scenes was Pheadra's The Sea. Very accessible melancholic pop. Her voice, not too unlike that of Soley, is accompanied by acoustic guitars and various instruments based around warm resonance (bells, xylophones). "Death Will Come"

 

Kitchie Kitchie Ki Me O

 

Consisting of former members of the succesful Madrugada, KKKMO's self titles debut is in the veins of 60's Rock, with saxes on top of electric guitars. "Next"

 

Jenny Hval

 

Jenny Hval has been included in a few top lists abroad, and while in the same direction as Phaedra, is less accessible. Beautiful, full music, though. A very, very fine album.

 

Honningbarna

Young punkers who use classical instruments, such as cello. Not usually my type of music, but Honningbarna have grit. Recently lost their drummer (age 20) in a car accident. "La Alarmene Gå"

 

Tôg

80's inspired synth music, Tôg are a band who's peak is yet to be reached. Debut "Drøm" was a smaller success, and has a number of very songs. Played a number of festival, including Austin Limits and Roskilde. "Rent Mel i Posen Din (Live from Roskilde)"

 

Top 10

 

1. Team Me - To the Treetops!

2. Kaizers Orchestra - Violet Violeta Vol. 1

3. Susanne Sundfør - A Night at Salle Playel

4. Phaedra - The Sea

5. Jenny Hval - Viscera

6. Kitchie Kitchie... - s/t

7. Honningbarna - La Alarmene Gå

8. Razika - Program 91

9. Your Headlights are One - s/t

10. Espen Haugland Mosdøl - I Wanted to Go There

 

Other good ones...

 

Rumble in Rhodos - Signs of Fervent Devotion

Kaia – La La La

Kakkmaddafakka – Hest

Pelbo – Days of Transcendence

Kaizers Orchestra – Violeta Violeta vol. 2

Katzenjammer – A Kiss Before You Go

Casa Murilo – Lifting Ships

Bigbang – Epic Scrap Metal (not a metal album)

Jim Stärk – Rainy Love Songs

Ane Brun – It All Starts Wit One

Jonas Alaska – s/t

120 Days – 120 Days II

Sondre Lerche – s/t

El Cuero – From Mountains to Sand

Fjorden Baby – Se Deg Rundt I Rommet

Turns – Out

Heroes and Zeros – Ghostly Kisses

Montee – Reindition of You

Lukestar - Taiga

The Kings :heart:

 

I should listen to more "northern music" :nod:

 

Nice thread! :D

Thank you :nice: I strongly suggest Susanne Sundfør if you don't know of her, especially if you like Radiohead. Otherwise I added some suggestions in the albums summaries.

Wow, great! I love Scandinavian music :D

Thanks for mentioning Phaedra again. I will see Ane Brun live in April. 120 days (also Norwegian) will play as well then, is that worth checking out?

 

Don't know much about what's cool here in the Netherlands, but I could write a similiar review about Danish 2011 releases/cool new stuff.

 

Eh, the first post says For 2011 where that should be for 2012, non?

a-ha were very good live

Fuck yeah! Saw them too after the break-up announcement.

 

Is ‘Viscera’ by Jenny Hval noteworthy mentioning? I loved her work when she called herself Rockettothesky. Didn't get this CD yet though ...

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF6hvxQBDSo]Jenny Hval - Blood Flight - YouTube[/ame]

No, that's the review from the last year. The 2011 review is post #12 and mentions Jenny Hval (who indeed is fantastic), Ane Brun and 120 Days. I admit I haven't listened to 120 Days very much, but from what I've heard they are definitely worth checking out!

Thank you :nice: I strongly suggest Susanne Sundfør if you don't know of her, especially if you like Radiohead. Otherwise I added some suggestions in the albums summaries.

 

Thanks, I'll take a listen to her. :wacky:

No, that's the review from the last year. The 2011 review is post #12 and mentions Jenny Hval (who indeed is fantastic), Ane Brun and 120 Days. I admit I haven't listened to 120 Days very much, but from what I've heard they are definitely worth checking out!

Okay, I didn't pay enough attention! :confused: hahaha!

 

Will read #12 now :embarrassed:

Yes:whip:

Just realized I forgot to do this for last year, so here's a quick summary as well as a few things to look forward to for the next year.

 

Top Norwegian album of 2012, in alphabetical order.

Suggested tracks after comments

 

Bendik - "Drømmen Gjør Meg Ingenting" (Dreamy female vocals over a blanket of synths, and with solid pop choruses. A gem.) *Kjenner Ingenting (Feels Nothing)

 

Hanne Hukkelberg – “Featherbrain” (Talented singer from Kongsberg who takes elements from various genres and influences including pop, jazz and other contemporary music, to create something unique. Featherbrain has a rich soundscape without being too much, and is rythmic while featuring beautiful melodies. One of my favorite albums of 2012) *You Gonna

 

Highasakite – “All That Flows Will Rain” (Praised by Justin Vernon and Pitchfork, along with Susanne Sundfør, after appearing at the Øya festival. Dreamy psychedelic pop, somewhere between Beach House and Lykke Li. Their track Indian Summer was a festival hit.) *Winners Don't Come Easy and Indian Summer

 

I Was a King – “You Love it Here” (This is their sophmore and topped several end of the year lists. Draws influences from American folk as well as 60's pop, but in some ways don't sound too unlike Highasakite.)*Frozen Disease

 

Kråkesølv – “Alle Gode Ting” (Part of a wave of "dialect rockers", Kråkesølv play melodic guitar music, often melancholic, and are one of Norway's biggest bands. And rightfully so.) *Husk at Livet Går Fort (Remember that Life goes Quickly)

 

Little Hands of Asphalt – “Floors” (A poppier version of The Mountain Goats, with a wide range of instrumentation. Not too unlike Team Me, last years indie heroes. Little Hands of Asphalt are talented at songwriting.)*Fault Lines

 

Mirror Lakes – “Mirror Lakes” (Consisting of members of several big Norwegian rock bands such as I Was a King, Turbonegro and the now defunct Madrugada. The album itself is maybe a little long, but it does contain solid indie rock songs, and is overall strong a strong record.)*Holding On 'Till the Last Bone is Crushed

 

Mount Washington – “Mount Washington” (Playing americana inspired guitar music, Mount Washington have acheived recognition internationally over their 15 or so years as a band. This is their 4th. album, and on a German label.)*Lisboa

 

Rebekka Karijord – “We Become Ourselves” (Karijord has a powerful voice, not too unlike that of Leslie Feist. The music is atmospheric and powerful)*We Become Ourselves

 

The South - "The South" (A straight forward country album. I listened to it a couple of times, but it didn't ever grab me. It's been praised a lot, so maybe someone else will.)

 

Susanna – “Wild Dog” (Her album has sadly been removed from Spotify. Wild Dog is melodic, melancholic and with influence from jazz and pop. The harmonies recall Joanna Newsom, though not her distinctive voice)*Oh I Am Stuck

 

Susanne Sundfør – “The Silicone Veil” (My favorite album from 2012, The Silicone Veil takes a step further from The Brothel into a land of synths and electronic beats, but without surrendering any of melancholy and beauty that made The Brothel great. The soundscape is thick, and well produced thanks to amongst others the Horntveth brothers of Jaga Jazzist. She's finally been noticed by international media, and the single White Foxes was given Best New Music by Pitchfork)*White Foxes, Rome

 

Sweden – “Under the Sycamore Tree” (Guitar driven Indie rock)

 

Cazadores - "Islands EP" and "Lights EP" (Specializing in the British style tradition of guitar rock, Cazadores could very well be set for a career abroad.)

 

A spotify playlist with the recommended songs + some more. Give it a listen: http://open.spotify.com/user/117063655/playlist/0rxdnlsNLfYFJV7D2pFKRY

 

Stand alone singles worth noticing

Ane Brun - Virvelvind (for Amnesty Internationals fundraising campaign in Norway)

Susanne Sundfør and Röyksopp - Running to the Sea

Harrys Gym - Horses/We Fade Out

 

Best live bands I saw

Susanne Sundfør

Jaga Jazzist

Team Me

Highasakite

Kråkesølv

 

Coming in 2013...

Honningbarna – “Verden er Enkel” (Punk music featuring a number of uncoventional genre instruments, including cello)

 

Moddi – “Set the House on Fire” (Finally releasing his second album, you can already hear House by the Sea on his soundcloud. It sounds good!)

 

Serena Maneesh – TBA (Shoegazers finally out of their cave. Literally.)

 

Jenny Hval - "Innocence is Kinky" (Melancholic, acoustic, meditative music)

 

Kings of Convenience - TBA (Probably Norway's most successful indie band, known for the hit I'd Rather Dance With You.)

 

While You Slept

- "Push/Pull" (Urørt band's debut album)

 

Harrys Gym - TBA (An eventual follow up to their 2010 album, What Was Ours Can't Be Yours)

 

Heyerdahl - "ØEN" (Psychedelic pop band who had a big year in 2012. The album was just released.)

 

Razika - "På Vei Hjem" (Following up the widely successfull Program 91. The album has been released.)

 

Jaga Jazzist - TBA (One can always dream.)

Thanks for the update, William!

 

I'll be checking out some of those soon. Also I'm really looking forward to the new Kings of Convenience and Moddi albums.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=066oiwdJ4rE]Jaga Jazzist - 'Prungen' (Live with Britten Sinfonia) - YouTube[/ame]

 

:awesome: Album set for may

Looks like there's a wealth of stuff to get into here. I shall dive in!