Casual Heaven
Apollon, 2019
8/10
A Norwegian outfit who take inspiration from legends like The Cure and Pink Floyd, Sail By Summer’s William Hut and Jens Kristian inject a very nature-esque approach to their flourishing electro-pop.
“Fetch Your Roses” starts the album with cautious yet sunny indie-rock sounds that are as gorgeous as they are adventurous, and “Facing Dullness” follows with a vocally strong and upbeat blast of melodic and anthemic rock.
Elsewhere, “Corner Kid” offers a breezy and playful album highlight, while “LowLowLow” flirts with electro-pop heavily in charming ways on the retro highlight.
At the end, “Lower Your Voice” recruits a subdued setting of elegant ideas, and “I Can’t Rely On My Memories” ends the debut album strong with a spacey, ethereal and ambient instrumental.
Hut, who has already won a Grammy Award, handles guitars and vocals, while Kristian holds down keys and programming, and together they weave a universally palatable listen of thoughtful, and often moving songcraft.
Travels well with: Subshine- Easy Window; Leland And The Silver Wells- Leland And The Silver Wells