The Low Frequency in Stereo
From the Eastern-tinged pop flirt of ”Startruck” to the near 10 minute cosmic groove-trip that is ”Solar System”, the new album from this excellent group finds them on top form and taking a big leap from their previous, Norwegian Grammy nominated, album. A sharper and more focused effort without a weak track in sight, ”Futuro” is both industrial and rough as well as polished and streamlined. There are nods to fellow Norwegians 120 Days as well as Stereolab, Can, Doors, Joy Divison and even B 52´s, but first of all this is a group that have perfected their own sound from album to album and through periods of extensive touring.
Founded in 2001 in Haugesund on the westcoast of Norway, they have been called the band with one foot in Pompeii and one in space. With their first three albums released from 2002 to 2006, they have developed from being a searching instrumental lo-fi-post-rock band that Pitchfork dubbed ”Psych-Garage Dronemeisters” to a fullblown, focused and fresh sounding rock ensemble with great songs and a mix of dark atmospheres and catchy choruses.
Lie, Haaland and Andersen are founding members while Clementsen (22) and Frøkedal (21) both joined ranks before the recording of ”Futuro”. Clementsen and Frøkedal are also members of up and coming group Megaphonic Thrift.
Guest musicians include Rune Grammofon affiliates Nils Økland and Kjetil Møster (Ultralyd) and the album is produced by wonderboy Jørgen Træen (Jaga Jazzist, Kaizers Orchestra, The National Bank, Sondre Lerche). Their previous album from 2006 was nominated for a Norwegian Grammy in the ”Best Rock Album” category .