Browsing Tag

oslo

In Reverse – Ready: Soul-Driven Indie Synthpop  

Posted on 30 January 2021
In Reverse

If you could imagine what it would sound like if the 1975 and the Midnight met in the middle while incorporating elements of soul pop in the style of Maroon 5, you’ll get an idea of the stylistic melding which took place for In Reverse to create their latest single ‘Ready’.

The Oslo-based Norwegian Pop band’s approach to Pop may break free of the usual constraints which Pop artists find themselves bound by when they’re writing tracks with commercial potential in mind, but their sound is all the more immersive for it.

The unpredictably progressive electronic pop hit blends elements of contemporary synthpop with hints of indie jangle pop which are palpable in the guitar progressions, yet, Ready still unravels without experimentalism being the main focus. It’s a track which makes sure that the sentiment it was inspired by is harmonically hammered home. It may leave you with a little bit of procrastination guilt, but if any track is going to leave you psyched to attack everything you have been deliberating on, it’s this one.

The ‘Rona may have hindered In Reverse’s plans of aural domination, but on the basis of Ready, we can’t imagine they’ll let anything as small as a global pandemic get in the way.

Ready was released on January 15th, you can check it out for yourselves by heading over to In Reverse’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Breaking out from the norm: Mörmaid and Bård Berg join forces to be ‘Set Free’ through music

Posted on 28 January 2021

The exceptionally talented Mörmaid is back with her latest sparkling single and this time she brings in Bård Berg to add an extra excellent element to ‘Set Free‘ our hearts.

Mörmaid is a Norwegian-born, usually London-based electro-pop artist currently hiding out in Norfolk, East Anglia, who illuminates the sky with a rhythmic energy that transfixes your whole body; as she gracefully sings with a style that stops you in your tracks.

Bård Berg is also a Norwegian native from Oslo, who is best known for being a drummer and producer. He is a wonderful talent who brings forth a uniquely brilliant style to music, that is breath-taking and innovative at the same time.

The acid-house type start breaks you out of your comfort zone and it feels like there is a breakout on the go. You can hear the hunger in her voice and she puts in a terrific performance. With his added influence, they make a great song that is hauntingly beautiful and full of surprises, the twists of the beat bends the story to its will and you feel enlightened the longer and louder you listen.

This is about breaking out from a pattern that you wish to free yourself from and start fresh again, with your mind tuned in like a functioning radio, rather than doing the same unhealthy thing and feeling bad for doing it all the time, when brighter days are over the next hill.

‘Set Free‘ from Mörmaid and Bård Berg is a dazzling assortment of wave-crashing soundscapes that barrels into your mind and doesn’t let go until you reach the shore. Their close-knit fusion is sweetly textured and you feel free inside and safe somehow as her intoxicating voice leaves your soul feeling warm and fuzzy.

Sometimes you can feel trapped with seemingly nowhere to go but if you actually look around and dig deep enough, you will find that tunnel to escape, finding the light and seeing where you need to be in life.

Stream this excellent new track on Spotify and see more on Mörmaid’s IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Malene Markussen is here with enchanting anthem ”Some Kind of Rescue”

Posted on 18 June 2020

Malene Markussen is a fantastic Norwegian singer-songwriter based in Oslo, Norway. Her music is rooted in the pop-electronic sound style and is inspired by artists such as Sia, Røyskopp and The Midnight.

This song is all about staying strong no matter what. You might seem strong on the outside but inside things could be way different. It’s so important to see more that what meets the eye and to be sensitive to this. We all need to look after each other in this world no matter what our differences. A hug and a gentle conversation always helps when someone is down. We can all rescue someone if we care enough.

”Some Kind of Rescue” is a stunning song from this stupendously talented performer. She sings with her heart on her sleeve and I feel like I’m in another world while listening to her so intently. The violin in this song top everything off and she is a special talent that is going to blossom globally.

Stream this fabulous Norwegian singer right here on her Spotify page.

To get news on new releases and live gigs when they are back, head through to her Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A&R Factory Present: Hanne Mjøen

Posted on 18 March 2017

2016 marked the beginning of Hanne’s career as an artist and songwriter. Dedicating all her time to doing music, she released her debut single “Perfect Noise”, which shortly after got picked up by Norwegian radio channel NRK P3, where it rotated on their radio show Urørt, who focuses on showcasing emerging talents nationally.

Hanne Mjøen has already headlined local concert venues in Oslo, such as Mono and Dattera til Hagen, as well as supporting Swedish singer León at Parkteatret.

Hanne’s new single U combines a unique and fresh pop-sound, with strong melodies and distinct choruses, in the same style as fellow Scandinavian artists Tove Lo and Aurora, she co-wrote & produced the track and is one to watch this year! Her sound, branding and image are infectious.