Tag: norway

New Electro-pop From Machine Birds

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Here’s a new synth heavy pop number called “If I” coming your way from Norwegian duo Machine Birds. It’s definitely not something I’d usually go for, and the Nintendo freak out in the middle is a bit much, but something about it is hitting home with me today.  The vocals play nicely off the ear pleasing beats in the background and create this nice meld of vocal with synth.  The duo have a new EP entitled Save Yourself coming out in the U.S. on September 24th.

[audio:http://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/machine-birds-if-i.mp3]

Download: Machine Birds – If I [MP3]

New Gem from I Was A King

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One of the band’s I can’t get enough of is I Was A King, a great power-pop act from Norway.  They’re about to release their third album, You Love It Here on October 5th overseas (the band is currently looking for US representation!), and if you don’t love this song, something’s got to be wrong with you.  It’s got an effortless cool to it, with a wonderful central hook and a melody that’s going to have you salivating for more from the group. If you needed further proof that this group was on top of their game, you need look no further than the production credits attributed to Norman Blake and Robyn Hitchcock.  After you stream the song, check out this video that goes along with it HERE. This is going to make your day, I promise.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/59375150″ params=”auto_play=false&show_artwork=false&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Spastic Rock From Ungdomskulen

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I’m not exactly sure why this new jam “Askefast” from Norwegian group Ungdomskulen is really perking up my ear drums, but it surely has me paying attention.  It’s a little rough around the edges upon first listen, and I’m sure you see what I mean, yet it seems to grow on me after each spin.  You can almost hear some Mastadon in there mixed with maybe some Ice Choir and Portugal. The Man.  Anyway you want to call it,  the band surely shows a lot of talent.  On September 25th, the band will release their 4th studio album Secrecy worldwide.

[audio:http://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/01-Askefast.mp3]

Download: Ungdomskulen – Askefast [MP3]

New Indie Pop from Making Marks

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I used to love this band called My Little Pony, but now the band is down a member and going by a new name, Making Marks.  Luckily, the jangling guitars and the hooks I adored are still present in the reincarnation of the group, so indie pop fans can rest with a smile.  The new line-up will be releasing their Ticket Machine 7″ on Fika Recordings this coming October, with plans for a full length to follow in the Spring of 13′. If you like your pop with a bit of bounce and a little grin, then you’ll love this new jam.  Enjoy.

[audio:http://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/01-Hard-To-Be-Good.mp3]

Download:Making Marks – Hard To Be Good [MP3]

Power Pop from I Was a King

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One of the bands that I’ve really enjoyed following over the last several years has been Norway’s I Was a King.  They’ve just issued a really small run of a split 7″ EP on Splendour Records with Half-Handed Cloud, and I’m really enjoyhing their effort here. There’s a great swirling melody that is underscored by the guitar work, one of the prominent instruments in this band’s repertoire. If you haven’t had an opportunity to check out this band, the time is right to do so.  Hopefully this 7″ indicates the band are back on track and set to toss out something new in the near future.

[audio:http://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Happy.mp3]

Download:I Was a King – Happy [MP3]

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