Michelle Ullestad

Sol/DVLM

Apollon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sol

A collection of 2 EPs of Norway’s rising pop star Michelle Ullestad’s universally embraceable song craft, the 11 songs here illustrate much skill and memorableness with each exciting, energetic track.

After the brief, atmospheric strings of “Hei”, “Sol” gets right into buzzing and breathy indie-pop, where Ullestad’s expressive singing guides the dance floor ready climate that’s beat heavy.

In the middle, “Emillie” finds a more intimate place to reside, where playful hand clapping and pretty singing makes for a warm delivery, while “Maktesløs” recruits a very dreamy appeal that builds into a soaring and ultra melodic pop flavored anthem.

Closer to the end, “Uro” is quite bare, with cozy acoustic guitar and Ullestad’s poetic voice, and “Klarer du å finne meg” exits with lively drums and bright textures of pop that could be celebrated anywhere on the globe.

Ullestad’s debut was just in 2019, and she already sounds like a seasoned vet and could easily become a household name with her honest, infectious, and exciting formula.

Travels well with: Pogo Pops- Daylight; The Lust-O-Rama- Twenty-Six Screams