IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Presenting the Ligetizer

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:57:26 -0700

Presenting the Ligetizer, a new 6-metronome instrument designed and constructed by Espen Sommer Eide of Alog/Phonophani. Full details here.

Alog - Bømlo brenn om natta (video)

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:17:11 -0700

Official video from Alog for the track "Bømlo brenn om natta" using images from Google Street View from the Norwegian island of Bømlo.

Arts Desk Nordic Music Round-Up #3

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:59:31 -0800

The Arts Desk has posted a third installment of their Nordic Music Round-Up series: http://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/just-scandinavia-nordic-music-round-3
Featured artists include Jenny Hval, Alog, Mirel Wagner, Black Twig, Firefox AK, Karin Park, Den Svenska Tystnaden and many more.

Pitchfork reviews Alog

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:01:06 -0800

Pitchfork gives high marks to the most recent Alog album "Unemployed": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16193-unemployed/

Alog present new live album/Manga "Tokio Heaven"

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:56:03 -0800

Alog picked up a small stack of cardboard sleeves on their way through Portland, OR and, after pondering awhile what to do with them, finally settled on making them into covers for a new live album. However, they did not settle for a standard cover design -- instead they enlisted Japanese Manga artist Junko Harada to do a 50-panel strip, one for each edition of the record. See the result here, entitled "Tokio Heaven": http://alog.net/tc/index.html

Alog recording the Sheriffs of Nothingness (video)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:17:26 -0800

A look behind the scenes of the recording of Alog's new album "Underemployed", just released today via Rune Grammofon.

New Alog to be 4LP

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:17:24 -0700

Alog's new album "Unemployed" will be released as a 4LP set in addition to the CD: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/alog/rlp-3116-alog-unemployed-4lp/

New Alog on 11.11.11

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:21:32 -0700

The new Alog album "Unemployed" is confirmed for release on November 11 via Rune Grammofon: http://alog.net/posts/205

Alog recording session (video)

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:39:39 -0700

The wind in the trees and the sound of something new from Alog.

Hubro presents "Glossolalia"

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:48:12 -0800

Norwegian artist Sigbjørn Apeland, known for his collaborations with Alog and Nils Økland, has a new album out this week via Hubro Music entitled "Glossolalia" featuring solo improvisations on the harmonium. Read more: http://www.hubromusic.com/
Says the label "The term 'glossolalia' comes from the Greek 'glossa' meaning 'tongue', and 'lalia', meaning 'to speak'. To speak in tongues is to talk in unintelligible sounds in a state of religious ecstasy. The title of the album is a play on the instrument's association with low-church traditions, that the music 'came to' Apeland in an inspired moment, and that the harmonium, unlike the church organ, has metal tongues instead of pipes."

Alog to release live in Japan double-live album

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 12:46:54 -0800

Norwegian avant/electronic duo Alog will be releasing a double live album next year featuring recordings from shows in Japan. Japanese Manga artist Junko will be handling the artwork and here are some rough sketches: http://alog.net/posts/193

99 Minutes #6

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:47:49 -0700

Episode #6 of Norwegian music podcast "99 Minutes" is now online: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2010100410432464509498
Featured artists include Dimmu Borgir, Alog, Monzano, Supersilent, Hanne Hukkelberg, Jenny Hval, Motorpsycho and more.

New Phonophani reviewed at Themilkfactory

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:31:54 -0700

Themilkfactory reviews the new Phonophani album "Kreken": http://www.themilkfactory.co.uk/st/2010/07/phonophani-kreken-rune-grammofon/
I have yet to hear it myself, but I am immensely curious as I'm a big fan of both Phonophani and Alog.

Alog split reviewed at The Silent Ballet

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:36:26 -0800

The Silent Ballet reviews the Alog/Astral Social Club split 12" on Fatcat Records: http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/3044/Default.aspx

Fact reviews the new Alog 12"

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:45:55 -0800

Fact Magazine reviews the new Alog 12" on FatCat: http://www.factmagazine.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3939&Itemid=32

Alog to release split 12" with Astral Social Club

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:03:57 -0700

The fantastic Norwegian experimental/electronic duo Alog has a split 12" with UK act Astral Social Club on way from Fat Cat Records in November. Full details: http://fat-cat.co.uk/fatcat/release.php?id=309

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:04:11 -0800

Check out video footage of the sound art project "Karusell" by Espen Sommer Eide (Alog, Phonophani): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFnQx7Equ1M&fmt=18

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:07:09 -0700

As mentioned before, Norwegian experimental "sound art" artists Alog, Jana Winderen and Alexander Rishaug/Marius Watz are heading to Japan at the end of the month for a few performances:

10/22 - AD&A Gallery, Osaka (info)
10/24 - Superdeluxe, Tokyo (info)

See the above info links for more details on each of the artists and the work they will be performing.

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:10:35 -0700

Alog will be heading to Japan in late October along with fellow Norwegian sound artists Alexander Rishaug/Marius Watz and Jana Winderen:

10/22 - tba, Osaka
10/23 - tba, Kyoto
10/24 - Loopline, Tokyo
10/25 - tba, Tokyo

MP3: Snöleoparden - Nr. 1

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:39:25 -0700

Snöleoparden likes the xylophone. It appears on many tracks on his self-titled debut and is even claimed as the title for one of the pieces. Wood, metal, maybe even plastic- all forms are put into play. At first I wasn't into it at all and wrote him off as an amateur Alog wannabe (no pun intended), but further listens have proven to be far more rewarding. The utilization of instruments typically associated with children's music is supposed to evoke feelings of naive wonderment, though unfortunately that doesn't always sit well with me and my often sour mood, so it's no surprise that such feelings often turn to annoyance in my world. However, when it does work, it works well, especially when Snöleoparden is able to latch onto a simple melody or repetitive rhythm. "Nr. 1" stumbles a bit in a wonky sort of way, but the more it gets tweaked out towards the end, the more interesting it is. I'm not completely wowed, but the live first-take feel is not without its charms. The spirit of playfulness is something I most certainly can endorse.

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:26:31 -0800

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Annika Norlin/Säkert! - Generalens visa
02. TALK 1
03. Downstairs - Legs for arms
04. Dmitry Fyodorov - 1b-1
05. Northern Fields - Never take the beauty
06. TALK 2
07. Barra Head - Undermine
08. Fläskkvartetten - Som glas (ft. Nina Persson)
09. Benea Reach - New waters
10. TALK 3
11. Firefox AK - Winter rose (Tellevika remix)
12. Dansdepartementet - Svarta brev
13. Randy - Little toulouse
14. TALK 4
15. Britta Persson - At 7
16. M:40 - Brännmärkt
17. Mechanical Bird - Martha
18. TALK 5
19. Marvins Revolt - Multiple fractures
20. The Drawbacks - Straight lines & circles
21. Isolation Years - Say-nothing day
22. Christian Kjellvander - Poppies and peonies
23. TALK 6
24. Little Dragon - Recommendation
25. FAP - Sjömannen
26. Cortex - Animals (...looking at me)
27. TALK 7
28. Ulf Ljusberg - Whatever was
29. Mayhem - Deathcrush
30. Alog - St.Paul sessions II
31. TALK 8
32. Tigerbombs - 1000 sparks
33. Mainliners - Bourbon and ice
34. Mando Diao - San Francisco Bay
35. Madrugada - Look away Lucifer
36. TALK 9
37. Matts Katt - Refused was fucking murdered

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:07:17 -0800

Watch a video of Alog premiering a new, homebuilt instrument they will be using for upcoming performances: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krW_mFZwMKE
I know I've said it before, but Alog is one of my all-time favorite experimental/electronic acts and this is yet another good reason why. The instrument they build is called a "Slåttberg" and it's a strange digital/analog hybrid made to approximate the traditional Norwegian instrument, the Hardanger fiddle.

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:54:36 -0800

Rump Recordings has confirmed that they will release Snöleoparden's self-titled debut album on March 3, their first non-electronic artist. I've only given it a cursory listen so far, but I think it would appeal to fans of Alog or maybe even Detektivbyrån. Hear samples: http://www.myspace.com/snleoparden

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:51:04 -0800

The nominees for this year's Spellemanprisen (the Norwegian Grammy) have been announced:

Female artist:
Ane Brun - Live In Scandinavia (Det Er Mine/V2)
Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance (Sony BMG)
Sissy Wish - Beauties Never Die (Sony BMG)
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør (MBN)

Male artist:
Kenneth Ishak - Silver Lightning From A Black Sky (Division Records As)
Magnet - The Simple Life (Sony BMG)
Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles (Hektor Grammofon)
William Hut - Nightfall (Universal Music AS)

Pop group:
Blind Archery Club - The Union (Sony BMG)
Superfamily - Warszawa (Propeller Rec.)
The Royalties - The Royalties (Blister Music)
Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ord Og Ögonblick (Sony BMG)

Electronica:
Alog - Amateur (Rune Grammofon)
Diskjokke - Staying In (Smalltown Supersound)
Salvatore - Days Of Rage (Racing Junior)

Rock:
BigBang - Too Much Yang (Warner Music/Grandsport Records)
Moving Oos - Peace And Love (Kong Tiki Records)
My Midnight Creeps - Histamin (MMC Records)
Raga Rockers - Übermensch (EMI/Pilot/Virgin)
The Lionheart Brothers - Dizzy Kiss (Racing Junior)

Country:
Hellbillies - Spissrotgang (EMI Music Norway)
Hemisfair - Blue Blue Grass Of Home (Wilma Records/Playground Music)
Shit City - God Bless Our Home (Voices of Wonder)
Steinar Albrigtsen - Moment Of Peace (Sony BMG)

Metal:
Audrey Horne - Le Fol (Indie Recordings)
Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli (Nuclear Blast)
Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao (Season Of Mist)
Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness (Season Of Mist)

Hip-hop:
El Axel - It Is Wha It Is (Pass It Records)
Madcon - So Dark The Con Of Man (Bonner Amigo)
Tommy Tee - No Studio No Time-The Wait (Tee Productions)

Folk:
Berit Opheim - Den Blide Sol (NorCD AS)
Ragnhild Furebotten - Endelig Vals (Talik Da)
Sigrid Moldestad - Taus (Heilo)
Trio Mediaeval - Folk Songs (ECM/Grappa)

Jazz:
Fossum-Aarum Quartet - F.A.Q. (Schmell)
Jon Balke - Book Of Velocities (ECM/Grappa)
Petter Wettre - Fountain Of Youth (Household Records)
Sharp Nine - Sudoku (The Real Thing Da/Staffan)
The Core - Office Essentials (Jazzland)

Open class:
Frode Haltli - Passing Images (ECM/Grappa)
Live Maria Roggen - Circuit Songs (Jazzland)
Pust - Femkant (Pust Records)
Shining - Grindstone (Rune Grammofon)
The Source - The Source Of Christmas - Live (Grappa Musikkforlag AS)

Best music video:
Dimmu Borgir - The Serpentine Offering (Nuclear Blast)
Heroes & Zeros - A Strange Constellation (Nightliner/Universal)
My Midnight Creeps - Don`t Let’Em Bring You Down (MMC Records)
Turbonegro - Do You Do You Dig Destruction (Scandinavian Leather Recordings)
WE - Hurdy Gurdy (Nun Music)

Best Newcomer:
Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance (Sony BMG)
Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations (Nightliner/Universal)
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør (MBN)
Tine Thing Helseth - Haydn/Hummel/Albinoni/Neruda (Simax Classics)
Valkyrien Allstars - Valkyrien Allstars (Heilo)

Best song:
Kurt Nilsen - "Push Push" (Sony BMG)
Madcon - "Beggin'" (Bonnier Music)
Postgirobygget - "Tidløs" (EMI Music Norway)
Sichelle - "Fuck Deg" (Eccentric Music)
Venke Knutson - "Holiday" (Universal)

MP3: Alog - Son of king

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Outside of the lead track "King of men", the new Alog record "Amateur" is pretty darn disappointing. It's sonically interesting, as expected, but not compelling. So let's just stick to the song at hand then: "Son of king" is a pastiche of words and notes, cut and pasted together to form a cohesive piece of music. I find the narrative hard to follow without the subtitles of the video, but even then, I'm more interested in the sound and cadence of the words than what they are saying. As for the instrumentation, everything is percussive: xylophones, bells, chimes, wood block, maybe even some thumb piano. The spliced-together nature of the arrangement creates a stuttering, jittery effect, but it still flows fairly smoothly despite its ricky-ticky nature. The best part however, comes around minute three when the voices drop out and the music breaks down to nothing but alarm clock. Slowly the piece builds up again with disparate melodies being carried by the wooden and metallic elements. The backing rhythm remains stable from there on out and the voices become more insistent, eventually running along just as steadily. It's an amazing piece of work, not just technically (I can only imagine the hours spent putting each tiny sample together), but also quite pleasing to listen to.

Badun s/t Rump Recordings

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The self-titled debut by this Danish trio is situated squarely in the fertile soundscape where electronica, jazz and post-rock meet. Like Norway's Alog, Badun's tracks tend to be short and evocative, but they rely more heavily on their rhythm section to guide the way. Fretless bass and Fender Rhodes sonics abound, and the percussive brush strokes are infinitely subtle. This isn't difficult music, but neither does it play safe by being merely ambient-pretty or groove-anchored. Instead, this music glides aloft on its own glitch-driven air currents, remarkably sure of itself even if the listener is sometimes left guessing. It's all a bit on the chilly side aesthetically, but if you just stick it on without analyzing too much, this is intriguing stuff.

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Almost Cool review the new Alog album "Amateur": http://www.almostcool.org/mr/2035/
Not too far off from my own assessment: "Much more inconsistent than their previous outings, Amateur has some amazing highs and rather bland and unflattering lows, but is still worth seeking out if you're a fan of their past work."

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the video for "Song of king" from Alog: http://www.alog.net/soundclips/sonofking.html#top
The clip was directed by Moscow-based artist Julia Zastava and was shot in the old palace of the Orlov family, famous for being the location where the Tsar and his family were murdered in 1918 during the Bolshevik Revolution.

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for my radio show on Sirius this week:

01. Beyond Dawn - Far from showbiz
02. TALK 1
03. Superfamily - The radio has expressed concerns about what you did last night
04. The Fine Arts Showcase - Dance with your shadow
05. Pan Sonic - Hinaaja / Tugboat
06. TALK 2
07. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Hold
08. The Bear Quartet - I don't wanna
09. Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - When she's GONE
10. TALK 3
11. Laakso - High drama
12. Park Hotell - The guest who stayed forever
13. Fun - Hold it close
14. TALK 4
15. The Book of Daniel - Rabbit boy
16. Watain - Storm of the Antichrist
17. Viktor Sjöberg - w/Nothing
18. Kristofer Åström - Fallen
19. TALK 5
20. Mainliners - Olivia
21. Oddjob - Kings are walking out
22. Lemonator - Heart burns
23. TALK 6
24. Tobias Hellkvist - Slowly but surely
25. Attrap - Just a word away
26. Sahara Hotnights - Visit to Vienna
27. TALK 7
28. The Leather Nun - No rule
29. Alog - Son of king
30. Thunder Express - Vegas
31. TALK 8
32. Closer - Sensing the wake

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

MIC Norway profiles Alog: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2007042613413870420233
The duo's new album "Amateur" is out this week - hopefully my preordered copy will show up soon as I've been very eager to hear it.

Sat, 21 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Last night's playlist for my show on Sirius Blog Radio:

01. Isolation Years - Yellow cross on blue
02. TALK 1
03. Johndoe - Nattskift
04. Montys Loco - Wasteland
05. Once We Were - Cut corners
06. TALK 2
07. [ingenting] - Mycket vasen for ingenting
08. Margaret Berger - Robot song
09. Namur - Marching
10. Lampshade - New legs
11. TALK 3
12. Maia Hirasawa - Gothenburg
13. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Quiet
14. Fattaru - 100:-
15. Juvelen - Hanna
16. TALK 4
17. Säkert! - Allt som är ditt
18. Sonores - 16th of June
19. Detektivbyrån - E18
20. TALK 5
21. At the Gates - The swarm
22. Barra Head - Kill the lights
23. TALK 6
24. The Tough Alliance - Leg 7
25. Torpedo - My evil twin
26. Alog - Catch that totem!
27. TALK 7
28. Valley Days - 10k angels
29. A-ha - Celice
30. Victims - Who the fuck are we?
31. TALK 8
32. The Vicious - Alienated
33. Viola - Unreal life
34. Zweizz - Nowadays the only boring everything is so frustrating
35. Viktor Sjöberg - Winter guitars
36. TALK 9
37. Closer - The talker
38. Aerial - My god, it's full of stars!
39. The Kissaway Trail - La la song
40. Laakso - Italy vs Helsinki
41. The Psyke Project - Panic
42. TALK 10
43. C.Aarmé - We are the world

Next week: expect lots more killer jams including totally a brand new track from Closer and maybe even a spotlight set on post-rock/ambient music. Good times!

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Alog has posted the tracklist, cover art and sound samples for their new album "Amateur": http://www.alog.net/
Definitely one of my most anticipated releases for the year - Alog is my #1 favorite electronic act. Look in the right-hand column of their site for updated tourdates as well.

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Rune Grammofon has posted some details for Alog's new album "Amatuer", due out April 23: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/alog/rcd_2063_-_alog_amateur

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Rune Grammofon has announced that they'll be releasing the new album "Commuter anthems" from Opsvik & Jennings on March 26 and a new record from my favorite electronic act Alog somewhere near the end of April.

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Alog's remix of one the famed FM3 Buddha Machine loops is available for streaming: http://alog.net/mp3player.swf?file=soundclips/FM3remixD
The comp from which is comes: http://www.dotshop.se/ds/release.php?code=STAUBGOLD72CD

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Norwegian electronic act Alog will perform live on WFMU tonight at Midnight Eastern time. If you can't catch it live, look for a recording in the archives tomorrow.

MP3: Tsukimono - Gathering heavy breathing

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Tsukimono's new album "Née" is the perfect release for Kalligrammofon to follow up Viktor Sjöberg's "On a winter's day". Both artists utilize guitars and found-sound as the main source for their art, but what they do with it is totally different. Viktor tends towards the quiet and complative and yes, even romantic (as Kevin points out in his review) while Tsukimono (aka Johan Gustavsson) is often far more frenetic and noisy. This particular piece that I've posted today reminds me a bit of Alog with its steady melodic rhythm. Processed guitar tones chime, twist and turn until the rains come in and their true nature is revealed. It's a beautiful transition that perfect captures the summer day that inspired it.

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

MIC Norway profiles Alog ahead of their US mini-tour: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2006080411483311976195

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Updated US tourdates for my favorite electronic act, Alog:

08/12 - San Francisco Electronic Music Festival
08/15 - Holocene, Portland, OR
08/17 - Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL
08/19 - Mills Gallery, Boston, MA
08/21 - Tonic, New York, NY

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Check out a video by Russian artist Julia Zastava for the Alog track "Your secret flesh": http://alog.net/soundclips/secretflash.html

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Alog, one of my favorite electronic acts, will be coming to the US for the first time in August:

08/12 - San Francisco Electronic Music Festival
08/15 - tba, Portland
08/17 - The Empty Bottle, Chicago
08/19 - Mills Gallery, Boston
08/21 - Tonic, New York

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

It was really difficult to pick a song from Galento to post. Their new album "From the sea" is even more obtuse than their previous work "Golfstarblue". I suppose you could call them post-rock as they are definitely in the business of creating epic soundscapes, but there's way more artistry here than usually demonstrated in that genre and they lack the usual quiet/loud dynamics. No, this truly qualifies as "experimental music". They take organic musical sounds, chop them up and put them back together and then throw in elements of electronics and found-sound. At times I'm reminded of Negativland, other times it's Alog or maybe Majessic Dreams. It's mysterious and evocative, like the soundtrack to an abstract movie. The problem, as said above, is that it's extremely difficult to pick out one section of the record to represent the whole. No, scratch that: it's impossible. Hopefully this one piece stirs up your interest enough to check out the rest. It's worth it.

MP3: Galento - Hela bilen

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Phonophani, the solo project of Espen Sommer Eide from Alog, has a new track posted as part of the "Postawakeningsound" mp3 comp: http://www.skyapnea.com/postawakeningsound/
Other Scandinavian contributors include Prugelknaben (NOR) and Mikael Lind (SWE).

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Pitchfork reviews the Alog collection "Catch that totem!": http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/a/alog/catch-that-totem.shtml
If you think it sounds interesting (I think it's great), you can buy it right here for a very reasonable price.

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The winners of the 2005 Spellemanpris, aka the Norwegian Grammy:

Spellemann: Madrugada
Female artist: Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive (Det Er Mine/V2)
Male artist: Robert Post - Robert Post (Universal)
Pop group: Röyksopp - The Understanding (EMI)
Electronica: Alog - Miniatures (Rune Grammofon)
Rock: Madrugada - The Deep End (EMI)
Metal: Audrey Horne - No Hay Banda (Dog Job/Tuba Records)
Hip-hop/Rnb: Paperboys - When Worlds Collide (Bonnier)
Jazz: Hans Mathisen - Quiet Songs (Curling Legs AS)
Open class: Nils Petter Molvær - Er (Universal)
Best newcomer: Marthe Valle - It's A Bag Of Candy (Grammar Records)
Best song: Madrugada w/Ane Brun - Lift Me (Det Er Mine/V2/EMI)
Music video: Robert Post - Got None (Universal)

Full results: http://www.spellemann.no/vinner.html

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Stylus reviews the new Alog collection "Catch that totem!": http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=3692

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The long-lost Alog EP "Islands of memory" from 1999 has been recently rediscovered and will finally see the light of day and will be released in February with brand new artwork from Magnus at Grandpeople. Also on the way is a new album called "Just recording" on EN/OF featuring all new tracks except for a couple tunes featured on the recent "Catch that totem!" archival comp. Albanian artist Anri Sala will be providing artwork. Lastly, Phonophani, the solo project of Alog member Espen Sommer Eide, will have its self-titled 1998 debut album reissued via Rune Grammofon with extra bonus material. No date yet, but the release is supposed to coincide with the upcoming "Generator X" Norwegian tour alongside various other like-minded musicians and video artists.

Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The nominees for this year's Spellemann (the Norwegian Grammy) have been announced:

Female artist:
Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive (Det Er Mine/V2)
Lene Marlin - Lost In A Moment (EMI)
Marthe Valle - It's A Bag Of Candy (Grammar Records)
Maria Mena - Apparently Unaffected (Sony BMG)
Simone - Last Days And Nights (Daworks)

Male artist
Alejandro Fuentes - Diamonds Or Pearls (Sony BMG)
Magnet - The Tourniquet (Atlantic)
Robert Post - Robert Post (Universal)
Sofian - This Is Sofian (C+C Records)

Pop group:
Jim Stärk - Jim Stärk (Sweet Recordings)
Ravi & Dj Løv - Den Nye Arbæidsdagn (Sony BMG)
Röyksopp - The Understanding (EMI)

Electronica:
Alog - Miniatures (Rune Grammofon)
Datarock - Datarock Datarock (Yap/VME)
Toy - Toy (Smalltown Supersound)

Rock:
Bigbang - Poetic Terrorism (Gransport Records)
JR Ewing - Maelstrom (Sony BMG)
Madrugada - The Deep End (EMI)
My Midnight Creeps - My Midnight Creeps (MMC Records)
Serena-Maneesh - Serena-Maneesh (Honeymilk)

Metal:
Audrey Horne - No Hay Banda (Dog Job/Tuba Records)
El Caco - The Search (Black Balloon Records)
Extol - Blueprint (Century Media)
Stonegard - Arrows (Bonnier)

Hip-hop/Rnb:
Cast - Problembarn (Pass It Records)
Paperboys - When Worlds Collide (Bonnier)
Tommy Tee - Tommy Tycker Om Mej (Tee Productions/C+C Records)

Jazz:
Hans Mathisen - Quiet Songs (Curling Legs AS)
Jimmy Rosenberg/Stian Carstensen - Rose Room (Hot Club Records)
Karin Krog/Bergen Big Band - Seagull (Grappa Musikkforlag AS)
Sigurd Køhn Quartet - This Place (Heidi Køhn)
Solveig Slettahjell - Pixiedust (Curling Legs AS)

Open class:
Arild Andersen Group - Electra (ECM/Grappa)
Beady Belle - Closer (Jazzland)
Jaga Jazzist - What We Must (Smalltown Supersound)
Nils Petter Molvær - Er (Universal)
Shining - In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster (Rune Grammofon)

Best newcomer:
Animal Alpha - Pheromones (Racing Junior)
Audrey Horne - No Hay Banda (Dog Job/Tuba Records)
Draumir - Draumir (Playground/Little Hill)
Marthe Valle - It's A Bag Of Candy (Grammar Records)
Sofian - This Is Sofian (C+C Records)

Best song:
Alejandro Fuentes - Stars (Sony BMG)
Kurt Nilsen - Never Easy (Sony BMG)
Madrugada w/Ane Brun - Lift Me (Det Er Mine/V2/EMI)
Maria Mena - Miss You Love (Sony BMG)
Ravi & Dj Løv - Tsjeriåu Me De Månråus (Sony BMG)

Music video:
Maria Mena - Miss You Love (Sony BMG)
Animal Alpha - Bundy (Racing Junior)
Ravi & Dj Løv - E-Ore (Sony BMG)
Robert Post - Got None (Universal)
Röyksopp - What Else Is There (EMI)

For all categories, go here: http://www.ifpi.no/spellemann/nomlst.html
Winners will be announced on January 28.

Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Pitchfork acknowledges Alog with a track review: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/tracks/06-01-03.shtml#song3

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Indieworkshop reviews the new Alog collection "Catch that totem!": http://indieworkshop.com/music/2180/
As mentioned with my mp3 post on Friday, this is a very recommended release.

MP3: Alog - Catch that totem!

Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

I'm kind of cheating with today's mp3 post. My normal modus operandi for Fridays is to post an older track and this song only kinda/sorta qualifies as this particular piece was originally released in 2002 on M-narsitik, but I only just heard it for the first time on the recently released "Catch that totem! (1998-2005)" collection that Alog recently released via Melektronikk. I consider these guys to be my favorite electronic act right now (their latest album of all-new material "Miniatures" made my top 10 for 2005) and this new disc of odds and ends is a fine addition to their discography. This particular is based on the song "Vitamine" by the Swiss group Velma, but Alog didn't have the lyrics at the time and decided to make up their own instead and ended singing the tracklist for the "Duck-Rabbit" album that they were working on at the time. Having never heard the original, I can't really judge how well it compares, but I like it just the same. Note: I hope to be getting copies of this CD in the mailorder by the end of the month, but you can always order it directly from the band or the label.

Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Podcast: Best of 2005

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

DATE ADDED : 12.15.05
LENGTH : 39:22 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_12152005.mp3 (27.7mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. Tiger Lou - Nixon
02. Logh - A sunset knife fight
03. A-ha - Don't do me any favours
04. The Bear Quartet - Today I will dress up
05. Hyacinth House - Perplexed on blue pills
06. Alog - Pesce spada
07. Isolation Years - Cover the distance
08. Det Gamla Landet - Dom väntar bakom kullen
09. Plain Fade - Blue skies ahead
10. The Psyke Project - Som soldater

Top 10s for 2005: It's a trap!

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Top ten albums for 2005 (in alphabetical order):

01. A-ha - Analogue (Universal)
I'm not usually one to fall for big pop albums like this, but A-ha has the class, maturity and songwriting skills to pull it off right.

02. Alog - Miniatures (Rune Grammofon)
This Norwegian duo combines electronic music, found-sound and analog instruments in astounding ways. The tools are anything but new, but the sounds they create are brilliant.

03. Bear Quartet - Saturday night (A West Side Fabrication)
Sweden's leading indierock act promised a difficult album and they delivered. Very few bands this far into their career would continue to innovate and evolve like The Bear Quartet.

04. Det Gamla Landet - s/t (Aa)
The soundtrack to a spaghetti western that has yet to be made. Beautiful and Evocative. [BUY]

05. Hyacinth House - s/t (True Music Production)
The dark horse of my list. It's very rare that some unknown, unproven band makes such an impact on me, but HH was such a band. On the surface there isn't really anything too special about these guys: country/twang with a healthy dose of classic rock. Been there, done that, right? Wrong.

06. Isolation Years - Cover the distance (NONS)
While not the best album of their career thus far ("It's golden" is my current #1), this is still 1000x more satisfying than so many other records I heard in 2005. I know I'll be able to put this on five years from now and will still enjoy it just the same.

07. Logh - A sunset panorama (Bad Taste/Hydrahead)
As with Isolation Years, this album is not Logh's best work, but it's still damn good. They took a brave, high-minded concept (recording live in the studio with almost zero overdubs) and pulled it off. [BUY]

08. Plain Fade - Lies, sanctions and cruise missles (Punos Sound)
I knew from the very first moment I heard Plain Fade that they were something special. After months of waiting for the debut CD to arrive, I was able to confirm it. [BUY]

09. The Psyke Project - Daikini (CPH-Sound)
As Aversionline said, "this is one of those rare instances where all of the typical "skull-crushing", "paint-peeling", "face-ripping", "ear-shredding" analogies do indeed apply." The finest heavy record I've heard in ages. [BUY]

10. Tiger Lou - The loyal (Startracks)
What don't I love about Tiger Lou? Every new release improves upon the last and of course the latest record is no exception. [BUY]

Honorable mentions:

Hello Saferide - Introducing... (Razzia)
I didn't really get behind this album at first because it's just so... nice. I usually tend towards edgier stuff, y'know? But my wife, bless her heart, kept playing it and it kept growing on me.

Moneybrother - To die alone (Burning Heart)
Even though it didn't make my final top 10 list, I know this is probably the #1 Swedish pop album for a lot of people. Of all the majorly hyped acts this year, Moneybrother truly deserved it.

Monkeystrikes - You hate my beautiful love (Dust Music)
Another album that I learned to love through repeated listenings by my wife. Seriously underappreciated.

David Sandström Overdrive - Go down (Mofab Teg)
Another strong contender for the top 10 that just didn't quite make it. Just like Isolation Years, this will still sound just as satisfying in years to come.

The End Will Be Kicks - s/t (Chalksounds)
Long awaited and much anticipated. Thank god it lives up to expectations. Nobodoy does noisy Norrland indierock like Niklas Quintana. [BUY]

Notable EPs:

Convoj - s/t (Chalksounds) [BUY]

Firefox AK - What's that sound (Razzia/Combat Disc) [BUY]

I'm From Barcelona - Sing!! (self-released)

Seven Feet Four - To kill is easy (Hysteri/Tenderversion) [BUY]

Torpedo - Declare despair (Strange Fruit)

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Check out a video of Alog performing live in the Netherlands: http://video.lombox.nl/meertv/uitzendingen/179/179_imp08.mov

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

The nominees for this year's Alarm awards, the alternative to the Spellemansprisen (Norway's version of the Grammy):

Rock:
Richochets - Isolation
Madrugada - The Deep End
Serena-Maneesh - Serena-Maneesh
JR Ewing - Maelstrom
My Midnight Creeps - My Midnight Creeps

Pop:
Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive
Loch Ness Mouse - 11-22
Maria Mena - Apparently Unaffected
Anja Garbarek - Briefly Shaking
Sofian - This Is Sofian

Metal:
Stonegard - Arrows
Grimfist - 10 Steps To Hell
El Caco - The Search
Scum - Gospel For The Sick
Solefald - Red For Fire

Hip-hop:
Paperboys - When Worlds Collide
Cast - Problembarn
Onkl P - Det kunne vært deg
Warlocks - The Never Ending Story
Tommy Tee - Tommy Tycker Om Mej

Free music/electronica:
Jaga Jazzist - What We Must
Cloroform - Cracked Wide Open
Toy - Toy
Supersilent - 7
Alog - Miniatures

Club:
Røyksopp - The Understanding
Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas - Lindtrøm & Prins Thomas
Datarock - Datarock Datarock
Annie - DJ Kicks
Future Prophecies - Warlords Rising

Jazz:
Kornstad/Wiik - Eight Tunes We Like
Shining - In The Kingdom Of Kitch
The Thing - Live At Blå
Tord Gustavsen Trio - The Ground
Atomic - Bikini Tapes

Song:
Madrugada - The Kids Are On High Street
Röyksopp - What Else Is There
Ane Brun - My Lover Will Go
Superfamily - Taxi Dancing
Mira Craig - Boogieman

Live:
Madrugada
Turbonegro
Purified in Blood
Richochets
Kaizers Orchestra

Newcomer of the year:
My Midnight Creeps
Mira Craig
Sofian
Superfamily
Animal Alpha

Vote for your favorites here: http://www.alarmprisen.no/

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Alog, one of my favorite Norwegian electronic acts, will be touring to support the release of their new record "Catch that totem!", out November 28 on Melektronikk. Dates:

12/02 - Im Ausland, Berlin (GER)
12/03 - Sheune, Dresden (GER)
12/05 - Dublin (UK)
12/06 - Spitz, London (UK)
12/08 - Impakt festival, Utrecht (NL)
12/10 - KC netwerk, Aalst (BEL)

Podcast: The new black (is the old black)

Sat, 22 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 10.22.05
LENGTH : 28:13 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_10222005.mp3 (19.4mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - The order of the phrases makes no difference at all
02. Alog - Red swing shift
03. Sanctum - Let's play
04. Single Unit - Moving in caves, enter abstract
05. EST - (hidden track)
06. Pacta Sunt Servanda - Work Idiot Work
07. Wimme - Oainnáhus (vision)
08. Tape - A spire
09. Rotoscope - Divide and dissovle

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Norwegian electronic act Alog on tour:

12/03 - Sheune, Dresden (GER)
12/06 - Spitz, London (UK)
12/08 - Impakt festival, Utrecht (NL)
12/10 - KC Netwerk, Aalst (BEL)

More soon.

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

In other Alog news, Melektronikk will soon be putitng out a collection of their remixes, b-sides and outtakes entitled "Catch that totem!". Confirmed release date coming soon.

Podcast: This is a test (post-rock/electronics)

Sat, 04 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 06.04.05
LENGTH : 30:00 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_06042005.mp3 (21.1mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. Caterpillar Ghost - True bypass
02. Beyond Dawn - Bloody comeback (Martin Horntveth remix)
03. Single Unit - Antlers! Antlers! Antlers!
04. A Gilbert Play - Väg lång hem
05. Alog - Buffalo demon
06. Sanna Kurki-Suonio - Minne (Where)
07. The Now - China
08. Plain Fade - Art brut machine
09. Switchblade - 5'12"

Streaming playlist: Spring is in the air

Sun, 08 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 05.08.05
LAUNCH : Real / Windows

Tracklist:
01. Torpedo - Declare despair
02. Convoj - My biggest loss
03. Lack - Deserters
04. Las Puertas - Born in the NYK
05. Consequences - Come on
06. Isolation Years - Cover the distance
07. Moneybrother - Blow him back into my arms
08. Desert Planet - Breakout button
09. Eskju Divine - Struck by the halo
10. Majessic Dreams - Still inside
11. Alog - Severe punishment and lasting bliss
12. The Grand Opening - Location
13. Britta Persson - The past is not for real
14. The Je Ne Sais Quoi - Station to station

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

I've decided that Alog is my favorite Rune Grammofon act. Supersilent, Scorch Trio and the rest of their ilk are nice, but I can't honestly say that I feel inclined to put them on all that often. I desire beats I can nod along to. I want melodies. Alog provides, albeit in an abstract way. The music is electronic in construction, but organic in sound. The track I'm featuring today starts off with the fluttering of sped-up voices and seemingly random tones, looped and layered with polyrhythmic bell tones. As with a lot of minimalist music, the effect can be disconcerning at first, but the longer it goes on, the more it settles into a groove. Once the beat drops in at 2'30" it turns to pure bliss. But it never stops building - the track flows on, adding layers of pink noise before dissolving completely into soft waves of distortion. I imagine a sunset at the seaside. Beautiful.

Wed, 23 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

I forgot to mention it earlier this week, but the latest Aquarius Records new release list features quite a few Scandinavian music selections such as Audiopain, Elope, Alog, Imperium, Ratto Ja Lehtisalo and Shining: http://www.aquariusrecords.org/cat/newest.html
It's worth noting that the Elope disc they rave about can be bought directly from me for a full $2 cheaper. How you like dem apples?

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Pitchfork has posted their take on Alog: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/a/alog/miniatures.shtml

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Indieworkshop reviews Alog's new self-titled album on Rune Grammofon: http://indieworkshop.com/reviews/1554/

Fri, 14 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's the details on the two latest new releases from Norwegian avant label Rune Grammofon:

Alog - Miniatures (RCD 2043)
The third album from the duo described as "setting new standards in contemporary music" (The Milkfactory) and "one of modern music's most interesting groups" (BBC Online). Their debut "Red Shift Swing" was a breath of fresh air at the tail-end of last century, a mature and original release from two sonic explorers, already masters at seamlessly blending electronic and acoustic elements. Their sound has since been perfected through the follow-up "Duck-Rabitt" (RCD 2020) and concert activities before arriving with this, their best collection so far. Inventive and intriguing electronica with a human and organic nerve.

Shining - In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster (RCD 2044)
Brand new album from young quartet counting two former Jaga Jazzist members and writers in their ranks, giving new meaning to the concept of progressive art rock and marking a change in musical direction from their two previous jazz albums. For the first time they use a number of guitars, vintage keyboards, horns and percussion instruments, but forget about endless synth soloing and long symphonic excursions leading nowhere. This is young, fresh and vital music with a strong sense of direction, bridging the gap between classic King Crimson and ECM lyricism.

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700

New releases from Norwegian avant label Rune Grammofon:

Food - Last Supper
The fourth album from this quartet and quite possibly their very best. Brilliantly performed and recorded, it´s highlighting the delicate balance between Ballamy and Henriksen´s melodic and lyrical playing and the electronic soundscapes they fully started to explore on "Veggie". Which speaks volumes when we know that "Veggie" was nominated for a Norwegian grammy and received some outstanding reviews, "this is remarkable, visionary music" (Jazz UK), "a very important work" (Milkfactory, UK). And lets not forget Mats Eilertsen and Thomas Strønen, one of many excellent rhythm sections currently working in Norwegian jazz.

v/a - Runeology 2
Dressed in a Kim Hiorthøy designed slim cardboard sleeve, this 10 track 70 minute collection includes tracks from current albums by Deathprod, Arve Henriksen, Phonophani, Strønen/Storløkken, Scorch Trio and Food as well as tracks from forthcoming releases from Nils Økland, Alog, Shining and Archetti/Wiget. The price is only NOK 49,- (appr EUR 6,-) if you order it at the same time as a you order any ordinary Rune Grammofon cd. Please make a note in the message box at the bottom of the Shop page if you want to add it to your order. Please note that when the total postage is calculated, it counts as an ordinary cd.

Streaming playlist: Instrumental

Sat, 05 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 06.05.04
LAUNCH : [stream no longer available]

01. Esbjorn Svensson Trio - In my garage
02. Pan Sonic - Rähinä II / Mayhem II
03. Dialog Cet - Crocodile hunt
04. Jan Johansson - Visa från Rättvik
05. Supersilent - 6.1
06. Kristofer Åström - Loupita #1
07. Rotoscope - Cooks whip, music goes on
08. Breach - Kill the sun
09. Ellis the Vacuumchild - Summershitty
10. Magyar Posse - Witchcraft
11. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Graceful touch
12. Alog - St. Paul sessions II
13. Motorpsycho + Jaga Jazzist Horns - Doffen ah um

Thu, 15 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Arve Henriksen's (Supersilent) new solo album "Chiaroscuro" has been confirmed for a Norwegian release on May 24 from Rune Grammofon. Other releases in the works from the acclaimed avant label include Scorch Trio and Nils Økland along with possibly Alog and/or Phonophani.

Mon, 26 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

ECM profiles the upcoming release from Danish rock/electronica trio Skyphone: http://www.ecmrecords.com/ecm/recordings/RCD2033.html
They compare them in sound to labelmates/Rune Grammofon acts Alog and Phonophani as well as Joy Division.

Fri, 12 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Norweigan avant-garde label Rune Grammofon has revealed their release plan for early 2004:

Skyphone - Fabula (January 12)
Debut release from Danish trio, probably closest in spirit and musical ideology to Alog and Phonophani in the way they mix electronic and acoustic elements, either sampled or played by themselves. Highly melodic and detailed soundscape.

Susanna and the Magical Orchestra - List of Lights and Buoys (January 19)
Debut release from Norwegian duo comprising young singer Susanna Wallumrød and keyboard player Morten Qvenild (Jaga Jazzist, Shining, Bertine Zetlitz, Nils Petter Molvær). Beautiful low-key songs including great versions of "Jolene" and "Who Am I".

Deathprod - Morals and Dogma (February)
Brand new and long awaited album from Norway´s sound artist par excellence.

Deathprod - Deathprod (February)
4 CD box comprising "Morals and Dogma", "Treetop Drive" (long deleted album from 1994), "Imaginary Songs From Tristan Da Cunha" (long deleted album from 1996) and "Reference Frequencies" (rare and deleted tracks). Comes in a solid black box with a booklet with detailed information on each release, each album packaged in their own beautifully designed digipack. This is simply a treat!

Mon, 25 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Scandinavian acts scheduled to appear at the upcoming Dissonanze Festival in Rome, Italy from September 26-October 4: Anton Nikkilä, Kim Hiortoy, Goodiepal, Opiate, Alog, Mikael Stavostrand, Vladislav Delay, and Andreas Tilliander. More info: www.dissonanze.it

Wed, 20 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

New from Rune Grammofon: Supersilent's latest album "6" is being released on double 180 g vinyl in a special 1000 copy limited edition run. It's already available for ordering from their website.

In other news from RG, they will be putting out Jono El Grande's new CD "Fevergreens" on September 15. Here's how they describe it:

"The young Norwegian composer leads his 9-piece orchestra through a collection of instrumentals musically close to early seventees Rock In Opposition/Canterbury/Henry Cow/Zappa but more arranged and polished with nods to TV series music/easy listening/Bacharach.Art music with hooks"

And lastly, they will also be releasing 2xCD comp/book called "Money Will Ruin Everything" on October 27. The discs will feature 30 tracks from "known and unknown Norwegian electronica, ambient, improv, jazz and contemporary" artists including Supersilent, Biosphere, Kim Hiorthøy, Food, Deathprod, Arve Henriksen, Alog, Phonophani, Nils Økland, Jaga Jazzist, Information, SPUNK, Arne Nordheim, Lasse Marhaug and more. The book part is a 96-page hardback designed by Kim Hiorthøy and will feature graphics, photos, discography and texts by Wire Magazine editor Rob Young and design writer Adrian Shaughnessy along with Kim Hiorthøy interviewing RG's own Rune Kristoffersen. Very cool - I know I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for that one.