01 Top of the Hill
02 Brother
03 Attic
04 Whisper
05 The Dharma Bums
06 Turn Away
07 The Escape
08 Someone New
09 Feathers
10 Sarah83
They have been playing together for ages, Norwegians Anne Lise Frøkedal, Bjarne Stensli, Erlend Ringseth and Ole Myrvold. First they were alternative rock group Dharma, but since parting ways with one of its founding members, the remaining group has reinvented itself as indie rock / indie electronic band Harrys Gym. And where Dharma was a lot of potential unfulfilled, Harrys Gym has made it all the way and become a musical dream come true.
Harrys Gym is not easily compared to other artists. They are often linked to such acts as Goldfrapp and Swedish electronic duo the Knife, with whom they quite frankly have little in common. David Bowie has been invoked by critics several times, and within his huge production there are certainly moments that compare to Harrys Gym’s debut album, but it is still a comparison that leaves a lot to be desired. Some similarities to Blonde Redhead are evident, and fans of the American indie rock act will certainly also enjoy Harrys Gym, but most of all Harrys Gym sounds like Harrys Gym, and it’s best left at that.
One of the keys to the unique sound of the band is the skilful and seamless combination of electronic and acoustic sounds. Both lead and bass are played on synths, and programmed beats are frequently used, but on most tracks these sounds are complemented by real drums and guitars. Also, the sounds conjured by keyboardist Ringseth are nothing like the angular plastic sounds of much run of the mill electronica. The soundscape is deeply organic and emotionally engaging. And through it all, the angelically detached and hauntingly beautiful voice of singer Frøkedal.
The self-titled album is an amazingly strong debut. Shining with solid song writing skills, the album has enough pop sensibility to glide silk-like through your ears, but without any cheap hooks. In stead it finds the way to your heart with great melodies, skilful arrangements and production, emotional lyrics and beautiful singing. It’s cool, but not cold – detached but not careless.
Pointing out highlights is almost impossible, as there are really no weak tracks to be found. Wrapped up in a dreamlike sweet sadness, it creates its own narrative in the mind of the listener. It may be a blurred childhood memory, the story of something lost, or just the feeling of a rainy day. But even for the imaginatively impaired, it’s impossible not to be touched by the sheer enthralling beauty of these songs. It’s the kind of album you could quite possibly stay in love with forever.
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Post je objavljen 17.08.2009. u 14:38 sati.