Honeyvein
Apollon, 2022
8/10
The recording moniker of Bastian Veland (Dobbeltgjenger, Ossicles), the eclectic artist brings influences from pop, rock and electronica to these artistic and stylish 12 tracks.
“Traditions Abandoned” starts the listen with plenty of beat friendly electronica and warm buzzing amid the darker textures, and “The Pulp” follows with a firm, driving electro-pop energy that uses frisky drums, spirited guitar and plenty of synth acrobatics for the dance floor ready fun.
In the middle, the more rock focused “Superplastic” benefits from Sondre Veland’s strong drumming in the riff heavy, stadium sized demeanor, while “Dust” thumps with an anthemic and booming version of prog meet dance-rock.
Further yet, Lydia Haugan Helland contributes very pretty vocals to the lighter nature of the charming “Negativity”, and “Forever And A Day” exits with additional vocals from Vegard Wikne, as a soulful quality meets the thick buzzing of the album’s best selection.
A truly DIY effort, Veland handles all songwriting, production and recording himself, with minimal guest spots to accent his vision. A very creative listen, if bands like Nine Inch Nails or Tame Impala are of interest to you, Honeyvein should certainly be on your radar.
Travels well with: Kryptograf- The El Dorado Spell; Major Parkinson- A Night At The Library