In a time when old shoegaze favourites reform to play to audiences deprived of music which they can identify with, it is refreshing to hear new acts who are not afraid of making the past their own.
The Norwegian six-piece Oslo Oscillator’s debut album City Nomads is loaded with references to past masters, whether it is the textured pop productions of the 60s or the hazy guitars of the golden era of indie rock. Breezy pop tunes interchange with swerving soundscapes. Old amps and organs crackle, as harmonies, noise and shy vocals cloak the ears of the listeners. Stereolab and Slowdive are some obvious references from the same musical neighbourhood.
Thematically, however, the album is focused on more distant locations, with Southern Africa representing a seemingly undrainable reservoir of nostalgia and inspiration for songwriter, vocalist and chief nomad Kåre Eriksen. On City Nomads Eriksen oscillates between past and present, Cape Town and Oslo, faith and faithlessness, lamenting a time lost. The result is hauntingly nostalgic, recognizable and a thing of beauty.
Perfect Pop Records is not yet ready to become a former record label. Hopefully both POP68 and POP69 will be released in 2018. Test press of the latter was sent on Friday, so if we can avoid any meteorite impacts the next few months, some new music will be ready in time for shopping some Christmas gifts.
Again someone remembered to bring along a camera, so we managed to take some pictures at Cafe Månefisken this Friday. Lots of blue light this time, but blue light or not – you will find the pictures here.
A few days from now Spendless Appalooza 2018 will be at Cafe Månefisken. Astroburger, Ping and An Ananas will play some of the songs they have made over the years.
Date: August 31
Venue: Cafe Månefisken
Doors: 20:00
Admission: NOK 150
Yesterday Astroburger and Kosmik Boogie Tribe played at Rypekroken Roadhouse. For some reason we remembered to bring along a camera, and you will find some pictures here.
Two previous members of Perfect Pop stalwarts The Vacuum Dreamers and old favourites The Chairs have joined forces under the name Frequency TV F.S.C. and released eight songs on Bartleby’s great and exclusive cassette label Groobie Tapes. Blow the dust off your old cassette deck, buy a tape and enjoy their diverse and exciting new songs! You can hear a little taste here:
On Soundclud:
How Big Is Your Heart?
Hold Back the Dawn
Sleepyhead
On YouTube:
Best Shot
How Big Is Your Heart?
Going electropop!
The Loch Ness Mouse will have a release concert for for their latest record called “The Loch Ness Mouse” at Blå, and as mentioned earlier it will be released both on CD and LP.
Support on stage this day is Ole & Silje Huleboer, and DJ Raymond T. Hauger of Beglomeg will turn the tables.
Date: March 10
Venue: Blå in Oslo
Doors: 20:00
Admission: NOK 180
In a time when old shoegaze favourites reform to play to audiences deprived of music which they can identify with, it is refreshing to hear new acts who are not afraid of making the past their own.
