Easy Window
Apollon, 2019
9/10
The debut album from the Norwegian pop outfit recruits some of the best ideas of the ‘80s and injects them into modern indie-rock sounds on Easy Window, leaving an indelible mark in its all too brief gloriousness.
“Florence” starts the listen with calm, fluent indie-pop with breezy melodies and a soaring atmosphere, and “Your Love” follows and brings a dreamy ‘80s feel where pulsating synth really punctuates the setting.
Further along, “Trust” increases the tempo to quick paced electro-pop fun, while “Shadows” recruits a contemplative feeling with plenty of cautious instrumentation that takes nods to the early days of post-punk.
The back half of the listen stays indebted to earlier decades, too, with the crisp, atmospheric “Stones”, and the moody dance-rock of “Easy”. The quick album ends on “Where Does It Go”, where an adventurous, restrained and warm spirit end on a high note, putting a firm exclamation point on just how strong this first LP is.
Spearheaded by Ole Gunnar Gundersen, formerly of Lorraine, the songwriting legend brings a wealth of talent and experience to one of the year’s best listens.
Travels well with: New Order- Low-Life; Pet Shop Boys- Actually