IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

300 Acting Spaces - Exploring new electronic music

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:48:07 -0800

"300 Acting Spaces" is the name of a new experimental music/multimedia project based out of Oslo and spearheaded by artist/professor Alex Gunia. In addition to providing an intimate performance venue for many of Norway's leading artists in the genre including Lasse Marhaug, Maja Ratkje, Supersilent and more, the venture also aims to link up with similar venues worldwide, both conceptually and online. And for those purely interested in the music, all shows will be streamed live and immediately archived for public listening via SoundCloud. Read more: http://300as.com/

Spellemann 2010 nominees

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:23:10 -0800

The nominees for this year's Spellemann awards, the Norwegian Grammy, have been announced:

Female Artist:
Christel Alsos - Tomorrow is (Sony Music)
Ida Maria - Katla (Nightliner/Universal Music)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)

Male Artist:
Moddi - Floriography (Impeller Recordings)
Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Thom Hell - All good things (Voices Music and Entertainment)
Thomas Dybdahl - Waiting for that one clear moment (Universal Music)

Pop Group:
deLillos - Hjernen er alene i Operaen (Warner Music Norway)
I was a king - Old friends (Hype City Recordings/Voices Music and Entertainment)
Kråkesølv - Bomtur til jorda (Kråkesølv Plateselskapet/Grand Sport Records)
Madcon - Contraband (Cosmos Music Group)

Electronic:
Bjørn Torske - Kokning (Smalltown Supersound)
Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Real life is no cool (Smalltown Supersound)
Ost & Kjex - Cajun lunch (Voices Music and Entertainment/Dynamic Music)

Rock:
Blood Command - Ghostclocks (Tiger Safari/Fysisk Format)
Kvelertak - Kvelertak (Indie Recordings)
Motorpsycho - Heavy metal fruit (Rune Grammofon)
Serena-Maneesh - No 2: Abyss in b minor (Smalltown Supersound/4AD)
Tommy Tokyo & Starving for My Gravy - Go time, showtime & absolute war (Warner Music Norway)

Metal:
Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini (Indie Recordings)
Ihsahn - After (Tuba Records/Candlelight)
Shining - Blackjazz (Indie Recordings)
Solefald - Norrøn livskunst (Indie Recordings)

Hip-Hop:
Karpe Diem - Aldri solgt en løgn (Cosmos Music Group)
Lars Vaular - Helt om natten, helt om dagen (Cosmos Music Group)
Salvador Sanchez - Happy daze (MTG Productions)

Folk:
Gjermund Larsen trio - Aurum (Heilo/Grappa Musikkforlag)
Ingvill Marit Buen Garnås og Per Anders Buen Garnås - Salme, segn & solbøn (Talik Da)
Sondre Bratland/Annbjørg Lien - Alle vegne (Kirkelig Kulturverksted)
Unni Boksasp Ensemble - Keramello (Øra Fonogram)

Jazz:
Elephant9 - Walk the nile (Rune Grammofon)
Ivar Antonsen/Vigleik Storaas - Dialogues (Ponca Jazz Records)
Paolo Vinaccia - Very much alive (Jazzland Recordings)
Supersilent - 10 (Rune Grammofon)
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra - Triads and more (Midtnorsk Jazzsenter)

Open Class:
Beady Belle - At Welding Bridge (Jazzland Recordings)
Jaga Jazzist - One-armed bandit (Universal Music)
Karl Seglem - Ossicles (Nor CD/Ozella Music)
Pelbo - Pelbo (Denstad Rec Play Forward/Rhinoprod)
Petter Wettre/Audun Kleive - The only way to travel 2 (Household Records)

Lyrics:
Bare Egil Band - I fyr og flamme (Grappa/Duplex)
Erik Fosnes Hansen - Neste stasjon Grorud (Daworks Records)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music) Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)

Pop Composition:
Gjermund Larsen - Aurum (Heilo/Grappa)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music)
Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)
Thom Hell - All good things (Voices Music and Entertainment)

Newcomer:
Bjørn Johan Muri (Universal Music)
Frida Ånnevik (Grappa Musikkforlag)
Kvelertak (Indie Recordings)
Moddi (Impeller Recordings)
Thomas Eriksen (Warner Music Group)

Winners will be announced on March 5. More here: http://www.spellemann.no/

Pitchfork reviews Supersilent

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:01:13 -0800

Pitchfork reviews the latest Supersilent albums, "10" and "11": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14818-10-11/

Dusted reviews Supersilent

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:35:47 -0700

Dusted reviews the recent Supersilent album "10": http://dustedmagazine.com/reviews/6039

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.

Supersilent + John Paul Jones

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:18:26 -0700

Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones made a live appearance with Supersilent at the Punkt Festival this past weekend and of course it was recorded. Expect an eventual album release...?

Supersilent 11 coming in late September

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:12:16 -0700

Supersilent's next album "11", their first ever vinyl-only release, will be out on September 20 via Rune Grammofon: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/supersilent/rlp-3103-supersilent_-11-_lp

Supersilent to release 10

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:51:52 -0700

Rune Grammofon has posted details for their next release which will be Supersilent's 10th album "10": http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/supersilent/rcd-2102-supersilent_-10
The official release date is August 23.

Rune Grammfon to release new comp, Supersilent album, more

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:13:34 -0700

Rune Grammofon has announced a few more new releases for August, besides the upcoming 4CD boxset version of "Timothy's monster" as previously discussed. First, they'll be doing a comp entitled "Twenty centuries of stony sleep" as release #100 which will feature "13 exclusive gems from 'old', more recent and new artists" and will be available on both CD and LP as well as an extra-special edition in 100 copies. No details on what that means exactly, but considering some of the label's other packaging, I'm sure it'll be way nice. They're also releasing Supersilent's new album "10" which contains the group's very first recordings as a trio, captured at Oslo's Rainbow Studio and said to be the "most acoustic offering" from the band yet.

Rune Grammofon to be "Label in Residence" at Moldejazz

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:17:01 -0700

Rune Grammofon will be a special "Label in Residence" at this year's Moldejazz Festival in Molde, Norway beginning on July 19. The label is celebrating their 100th release and will exhibiting sleeve art from at their catalog as well as presenting many affiliated artists such as In The Country, Puma, Stian Westerhus with Sidsel Endresen, Bushman's Revenge, Espen Eriksen Trio, Biosphere with Nils Petter Molvær and also a special commissioned work from Motorpsycho and Ståle Storløkken (Supersilent, Humcrush, Elephant9) to be performed with the Trondheim Jazz Orkester and Trondheimsolistene. More info: http://www.moldejazz.no/2010/

Motorpsycho + Supersilent = Motorpsilent

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:16:51 -0800

Nö Music reports that revered rock institution Motorpsycho and likewise renown avant combo Supersilent will be joining forces as Motorpsilent for a 15-date Norwegian tour in March: http://www.nomusicmedia.com/2009/12/20/motorpsilent-the-supergroup/

Pitchfork reviews Supersilent

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:39 -0800

Pitchfork reviews the latest Supersilent album "9": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13756-9/

All About Jazz reviews Supersilent

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:29:51 -0800

All About Jazz covers the latest Supersilent record "9": http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=34688

The Silent Ballet reviews the new Supersilent

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:56:33 -0800

The Silent Ballet gives their opinion of the new Supersilent album "9": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/2885/Default.aspx

Dusted reviews Supersilent

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:16:19 -0800

Dusted reviews the new Supersilent album "9": http://dustedmagazine.com/reviews/5375

MIC Norway interviews Ståle Storløkken (Supersilent, Elephant9)

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:32:51 -0700

MIC Norway talks to keyboardist Ståle Storløkken about Supersilent and their new album "9", as well as a few questions about his other band Elephant9: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2009102311501020284733

New Supersilent album in October

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:24:58 -0700

Rune Grammofon will be releasing the new Supersilent album "9" (their ninth release, obviously) on October 5. This is the Norwegian freejazz group's first album without drummer Jarle Vespestad and this release all three remaining members playing Hammond organ, recorded live (as always) at Henie Onstad Art Center just outside Oslo.

Arve Henriksen reviewed at Pfork

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:40:39 -0700

Pitchfork reviews the new Arve Henriksen (Supersilent, etc.) ECM solo album "Cartography": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13379-cartography/

Arve Henriksen in the US

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:31:01 -0700

Renown Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen (Supersilent, etc.) will be doing a few rare US gigs this month with sideman/producer Jan Bang:

06/16 - Le Poisson Rouge, NYC
06/17 - Swedish Embassy (Nordic Jazz Week), Washington DC
06/19 - Rochester Jazz Festival, Rochester, NY
06/20 - Bijou Theater, Knoxville, TN

Also note that many of the same performers who will be play Nordic Jazz Week are also playing showcases at the Rochester Jazz Fest.

Supersilent now a drum-less trio

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:22:04 -0800

According to Supersilent's fansite, the Norwegian avant/freejazz group is now a trio as drummer Jarle Vespestad has left the band. A new album featuring the pared-down lineup has already been recorded.

NORCD 2009

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:20:49 -0800

Norwegian folk/jazz/avant label NORCD has announced their release schedule for 2009: http://www.norcd.no/
The biggest name that I recognize from the list would have to be trumpeter Arve Henriksen (Supersilent) who will be collaborating with poet Elling Vanberg on an as-yet-untitled album.

Fria Konstellationen Musik om Fria Konstellationen Rev/Vega Rec.

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

As interest in freejazz slowly trickles down into the world of indie/electronica and grows, I imagine we'll see more and more records like this, full of eclectic clatter and hum. Of course, most of them won't be very good at all, but at least we'll still have acts such as Fria Konstellationen setting the bar. Pure improv is a tenuous beast; even renown acts such as Norway's Supersilent edit down hours and hours of recordings for what ends up on their album. I can only assume the same for this Malmö-centralized collective, but who knows for sure? The mystery of its origins are part of the charm, whether it be the story behind the music or simply the makeup of the instrumentation. The group's main mode of communication tends toward drone rather than bursts of sound, though rules are made and broken and then remade again as they go along. Melody and themes are tossed asunder in favor of pure compelling sound; dynamics and variety of timbre hold my interest well enough. Live, I imagine the experience to be even stronger when a visual component is factored in. Not everyday listening, to be sure, but certainly a worthy document examining the possibilities of seemingly random noise.

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:39:22 -0800

MIC Norway is updated with London Jazz Festival coverage, including profiles on Arve Henriksen (Supersilent, etc.), Arild Andersen and Frøy Aagre: http://www.mic.no/english

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:41:06 -0700

Reunited Norwegian cult act White Lord Jesus will be releasing the new album "...into that good night" on August 18, 24 years after their debut. The first single "Strange days" includes guest vocals from Rebekka Karijord and can be downloaded here: http://www.whitelordjesus.com/
Other guests on said record include Arve Henriksen (Supersilent), Martin Horntveth (Jaga Jazzist, The National Bank), Bård Torstensen (Clawfinger) and Maja Ratkje (Spunk, Fe-mail).

Supersilent 8 Rune Grammofon

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Supersilent, on "8", introduces a spaciousness that wasn't there before. The improvisations on here are mostly drum and synthesizer-based and use dead air as much as possible and as little a traditional structure as possible. While it might resemble like a cacophonous pile of randomness, there is a research in there, a lot of research in fact. Nothing is out of place and everything moves toward a common particularly loud moment. The progressions are slow moving, but relentless. On the whole the record is quite enjoyable, and if it wasn't for the digital qualities of some of the synth sounds, I would have enjoyed this a lot more than I do. Definitely a record to consider for fans of Tuxedo Moon, Port Royal and other experimental outfits like them.

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:06:19 -0800

Dagbladet's top 20 Norwegian albums of 2007:

01. Shining - Grindstone
02. Jonas Fjeld - Amerikabesøk
03. Superfamily - Warszava
04. Prins Thomas - Cosmo Galactic Prims
05. The Lionheart Bros. - Dizzy Kiss
06. BigBang - Too Much Yang
07. Supersilent - 8
08. Hellbillies - Spissrotgang
09. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
10. Magnet - The Simple Life
11. Madcon - So Dark the Con of Man
12. DHG - Supervillain Outcast
13. Diskjokke - Staying In
14. Håkon Kornstad - Single Engine
15. King Midas - Sorry
16. Raga Rockers - Übermensch
17. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
18. Manes - How The World Came To An End
19. Ungdomskulen - Cry-Baby
20. Diverse Artister - NRK Sessions - Club 7 Scene

More info: http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2007/12/04/520147.html?11967690211196769021

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:00:37 -0800

Pitchfork reviews the latest Supersilent record "8": http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/47065-8

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:56:11 -0800

Themilkfactory weighs in on Supersilent's latest: http://www.themilkfactory.co.uk/st/2007/11/supersilent-8-rune-grammofon/

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:49:11 -0800

Box, the avant supergroup featuring Raoul Björkenheim (Scorch Trio), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, etc.), Ståle Storløkken (Supersilent) and Morgan Ågren (Mats/Morgan, Zappa's Universe), has now had their debut album "Studio 1" confirmed for release on January 14 via Rune Grammofon. Cover art and details: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/box/rcd-2070---box_-studio-1

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:01:32 -0800

Musique Machine reviews the latest Supersilent album "8": http://www.musiquemachine.com/reviews/reviews_template.php?id=1501

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:12:02 -0800

MIC Norway rounds up the international press on Supersilent's most recent album "8": http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2007112313225121699244

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:09:34 -0800

All About Jazz reviews the latest Supersilent album "8": http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=27592

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:50:01 -0800

Rune Grammofon has announced that their first release for 2008 will be from Box, an international supergroup of sorts featuring Raoul Björkenheim (Scorch Trio), Ståle Storløkken (Supersilent, Humcrush), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, John Zorn) and Morgan Ågren (Zappa's Universe, Mats/Morgan, Flesh Quartet). No exact release date yet, but I'll keep you posted. Also on the way is a new 10th anniversary edition of their excellent "Money will ruin everything" compilation + book set featuring 2 CDs of mostly exclusive material from a wide range of Rune Grammofon artists - I have the first one and it is excellent. Later on in the year, look for new releases from Skyphone, Scorch Trio and Humcrush in the spring and then Arve Henriksen, Susanna, Huntsville and Jono El Grande later on. Plus a few TBA surprises, of course.

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:40:34 -0700

Dusted reviews the new Supersilent album "8": http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/3923

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 10:47:08 -0700

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

01. Lars Winnerbäck - Innan mörkret faller
02. TALK 1
03. TIAC - Boredom
04. Brainbombs - Who can you trust
05. Ted Gärdestad - Helena
06. TALK 2
07. Björn Kleinhenz - China Blue
08. Viktor Sjöberg - The sensation of your head on my chest
09. Marvins Revolt - Deliberate deeds
10. TALK 3
11. Abalone Dots - Under the rain
12. The Bear Quartet - The lost kid office
13. Lo-Fi-Fnk - Wake up
14. Watain - Underneath the cenotaph
15. TALK 4
16. The Tiny - Closer
17. Supersilent - 8.4
18. Anna Ternheim - Today is a good day
19. TALK 5
20. The Skull Defekts - The secret
21. Lukestar - White shade
22. Pay TV - Fashion report
23. Wolfpack - Enter the gates
24. TALK 6
25. Tigerbombs - Shaking the tree
26. Familjen - Ivanhoe & Rebecca
27. Giant Robot - Public = shopping
28. Eskju Divine - Hold on
29. TALK 7
30. The Bell - On and on
31. DHG - The snuff dreams are made of
32. Trio Mediaeval - Det lisle bånet
33. TALK 8
34. Peter Bjorn and John - It beats me every time
35. Margaret Berger - Seek I'll hide
36. Kaizers Orchestra - Kontroll på kontinentet
37. TALK 9
38. Darkthrone - F.O.A.D.

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:00:58 -0700

Mapsadaisical reviews the new Supersilent record "8": http://mapsadaisical.wordpress.com/2007/10/03/supersilent-8-rune-grammofon/
I've got a copy of it sitting on my desk, but I've yet to be in the right mood to dig in. Soon!

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:24:01 -0700

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Henning Kvitnes - Stemmer i gresset
02. Raga Rockers - Ubermensch
03. Minor Majority - Candy store (2 CD edition)
04. Leieboerne - Følg oss hjem Ole Paus
05. Vazelina Bilopphøggers - Bensin på bålet
06. Trond-Viggo Torgersen - Det du kan + noe rart & noe nytt
07. Leif Ove Andsnes - Ballad for Edvard Grieg
08. Postgirobygget - Tidløs
09. Kari Bremnes - Live
10. Bjølsen Valsemølle - Over elva
11. Henning Kvitnes - Ut av veggen
12. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2007
13. Superfamily - Warszawa
14. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
15. Turbonegro - Retox
16. Malin - Malin på månen
17. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
18. Supersilent - 8
19. The Kids - Hits fra Kids
20. Kjartan Salvesen - Then Silence

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:55:07 -0700

The nominees for this year's Alarm Awards have been announced:

Rock:
120 Days - 120 days
Big Bang - Too much yang
My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
King Midas - Sorry
The Lionheart Brothers - Dizzy kiss

Pop:
Marit Larsen - Under the surface
Rockettothesky - To sing you apple trees
Superfamily - Warszawa
Magnet - The simple life
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør

Metal:
Dimmu Borgir - In sorte diaboli
Satyricon - Now diabolical
Audrey Horne - Le fol
Mayhem - Ordo ad Chaou
Keep of Kalessin - Armada

Jazz:
Supersilent - 8
Shining - Grindstone
Håkon Kornstad - Single engine
Tord Gustafssen Trio - Being there
Hanne Hukkelberg - Rykerstrasse 68

Electronica:
Kim Hiorthøy - My last day
Lindstrøm - It’s a feedelity affair
Pleasure - Pleasure 2
The Whitest Boy Alive - Dreams
Bjørn Torske - Feil knapp

Hip-hop/Rap:
el Axel - It is what it is
Karpe Diem - Rett fra hjertet
Darkside of the Force - El dia de los puercos
Tungtvann - Siste Skanse
Samvirkelaget - Musikk

Newcomer:
Susanne Sundfør
Moving Oos
Ida Maria
Rockettothesky
Elvira Nicolaisen

Live:
Big Bang
Superfamily
King Midas
The Grand
Samvirkelaget

Go here for more details or to vote for your favorite: http://www.alarmprisen.no/2007/index.php/og-de-nominerte-er/#more-76

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:26:50 -0700

Via DJ Martian comes a heads-up on Box, a new Rune Grammofon signing featuring Ståle Storløkken of Supersilent: http://www.myspace.com/boxmusicproject

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Supersilent will play a bunch of record release shows in Norway next week:

09/18 - Blå, Oslo
09/19 - Blå, Oslo w/Nils Petter Molvær, Terje Rypdal
09/20 - Blå, Oslo w/Hans Magnus Ryan, Bent Sæther
09/21 - Sardinen, Bergen

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

MIC Norway profiles avant/improv combo Supersilent ahead of the release of their new album "8": http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2007090614592092897230

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Cover art and details for the new Supersilent album "8" are now posted: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/supersilent/rcd-2067---supersilent_-8

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Also on the way from Rune Grammofon is the new Supersilent album "8", now officially confirmed for a September 17 release.

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The new Supersilent album "8-9" is confirmed for release on September 24.

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

White Heat talks to renown Norwegian freejazz act Supersilent: http://www.white-heat.com/?page=articles&id=17

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Norwegian all-star improv/freejazz act Supersilent will release a new double album "8-9" sometime this summer via Rune Grammofon.

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

In semi-related news, Supersilent member and renown trumpet player Arve Henriksen will release his new solo album "Strjon" on February 26 via Rune Grammofon. The record is produced by fellow Supersilent member Helge Sten aka Deathprod and features musical contributions from him on guitar along with Ståle Storløkken on keys.

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Rune Grammofon will release Arve Henriksen's new album "Strjon" on February 26. Collaborators on said record include Helge Sten aka Deathprod and Ståle Storløkken of Supersilent and Helge also produced. More info to come.

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

More dates have been announced for the upcoming Rune Grammofon tour featuring Supersilent, Susanna and the Magical Orchestra and In the Country:

11/09 - UMO Jazzhouse, Helsinki (FIN)
11/11 - Roxy (Stimul Festival), Prague (CZ)
11/12 - Stadtgarden, Cologne (GER)
11/13 - tba, Paris (FRA)
11/15 - Cargo (London Jazz Festival), London (UK)
11/16 - Casino Modern (Motives Festival), Genk (BEL)
11/17 - tba, Sardinia (ITA)
11/18 - Crossing Border Festival, Haag (NL)
12/08 - Beursschouwburg, Brussels (BEL)
12/10 - Mono - Pönk, Oslo (NOR)

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Renown Norwegian avant-jazz group Supersilent will tour Europe in mid-November along with fellow Rune Grammofon artists Susanna and the Magical Orchestra and In the Country. Dates so far:

11/09 - UMO Jazzhouse, Helsinki (FIN)
11/11 - Roxy (Stimul Festival), Praha (CZ)
11/15 - Cargo (London Jazz Festival), London (UK)
11/16 - Casino Modern (Motives Festival), Genk (BEL)
12/08 - Beursschouwburg, Brussels (BEL)

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

The new album "Melody mountain"Susanna and the Magical Orchestra has been confirmed for an August 14 release via Rune Grammofon. The disc was produced by Helge Sten aka Deathprod (Supersilent, Motorpsycho) and will include ten songs, all covers of artists such as Prince, AC/DC, Scott Walker and Leonard Cohen. Listen to the first single "Love will tear us apart" (Joy Division) at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/susannamagical

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

PopMatters on the Supersilent DVD "7": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/supersilent-7/

Thu, 11 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Neumu has posted their review of the Supersilent DVD "7": http://www.neumu.net/fortyfour/

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

Stylus on the Supersilent DVD "7": http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=3928

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Pitchfork reviews the new Supersilent DVD "7": http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/s/supersilent/7.shtml

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

NTSC versions of the Supersilent DVD "7" are now available at Rune Grammofon.

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

On January 24 Rune Grammofon will present their first two releases for 2006: First up is the debut album from MoHa!, a duo comprised of guitarist Anders Hana and drummer Morten Olsen. Head over to The Wire website to watch documentary footage from the album recording. The second album being released that day is the solo debut "Pohlitz" from drummer/composer Thomas Strønen (Food, Humcrush) which is described as "a beautiful mix of gamelan inspiried percussion and electronic textures." In the not-too-distant future (springtime), the label will also be putting out a 5x10" box containing tracks from 19 RG releases to celebrate their 50th overall release. A 10" of Deathprod remixes should be released around te same time as well. After that, look for a reissue of Phonophani's OOP album originally released via Biosphere's Biophon label as well as new stuff from Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, Supersilent, Shining and maybe In The Country this coming fall.

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Check out what Jazzwise had to say about the new Supersilent DVD "7": http://www.eleventhvolume.com/reviews/cds/files/supersilent_7.html

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/

Mon, 05 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

The upcoming Supersilent DVD has been confirmed for release on September 26 via Rune Grammofon. Unfortunately it will be only available in PAL format to begin with, but a NTSC version will be made available eventually.

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Famed Norwegian avant music label Rune Grammofon says that the upcoming Supersilent DVD should be ready for release in August. "1 hour and 49 minutes of prime Supersilent, captured to 16mm film in glorious black and white, directed by Kim Hiorthøy."

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, 26 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Three new Supersilent dates:

03/09 - Paradox, Tilburg (HOL)
03/10 - Bimhuis, Amsterdam (HOL)
03/11 - V.C.A., Brussels (BEL)

Fri, 03 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Via Forced Exposure comes word that the rumored Supersilent live DVD "7" has been confirmed for a May release via Rune Grammofon. I saw these guys play a couple weeks ago and can most definitely confirm that it's not something to be missed. The footage was shot on 16mm b&w film and directed by the label's resident designer and renown artist Kim Hiorthoy.

Mon, 22 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Pitchfork reviews the solo albums of Supersilent members Arve Henriksen and Ståle Storløkken: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/s/supersilent/chiaroscuro-humcrush.shtml

Fri, 05 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Went and saw Supersilent and Jaga Jazzist last night and totally had my mind blown. I missed the first little 10 minutes or so of Supersilent, but what I caught was way more noisy and intense than I anticipated. Don't worry, that's a good thing. Words fail to describe how amazing and visceral they were - the sounds they produce are beyond comparison. Jaga Jazzist had a tough act to follow, but they tore it up and played quite a few new tracks due to appear on their next album. Drummer/bandleader Martin Horntveth radiates an astonishing amount of energy and really drives the rest of the 10-piece band beyond what constitutes a typical jazz show. If you get a chance to see either of these groups, don't pass it up.

Wed, 03 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800

The Northwest Passage Festival starts tonight here in SF. I'm not sure if I'll make it out to see Maja Ratkje and Arve Henriksen tonignt, but I'm definitely going to Supersilent and Jaga Jazzist tomorrow. If anyone else is thinking of going, it looks like I'll have an extra ticket as my wife is sick and is not so inclined to attend. Let me know.

Mon, 01 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Staight.com interviews Supersilent: http://www.straight.com/content.cfm?id=5879 (via DJ Martian)

Thu, 07 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700

UK-based webzine The Milk Factory interviews Deathprod (Supersilent, ex-Motorpsycho): http://www.themilkfactory.co.uk/interviews/deathprodiw.htm
I have no clue why they consider Motorpsycho a metal band, though.

Mon, 04 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700

It's not exactly news since I posted it all before, but the full dates for the Northwest Passage Festival are now posted online at the official website: http://www.northwestpassagefestival.com/whenwhere.html
To reiterate:

11/03 - Maja Ratkje & Arve Henriksen @ 964 Natoma, San Francisco, CA
11/04 - Jaga Jazzist & Supersilent @ Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA
11/05 - DJ Strangefruit, DJ Bjorn Torske & DJ Kent Horne @ 111 Minna Gallery, San Francisco, CA
11/05 - Supersilent @ Dance Centre, Vancouver (CAN)
11/08 - Supersilent @ Tonic, NYC, NY
11/08 - Jaga Jazzist @ Black Cat, Washington DC

Wed, 22 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Supersilent is playing Tonic in NYC on November 8. Khanate were reportedly listed earlier as a possible support act, but are no longer on the calendar. Oh, and they're playing the Empty Bottle in Chicago on November 6 as well.

Mon, 20 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Here's the fall release schedule for Norwegian avant-label Rune Grammofon:

09/27: Strønen/Storløkken - Humcrush - Excellent debut from Food drummer and Supersilent keyboardist.
10/11: Scorch Trio - Luggumt - Great second album from power trio led by guitarist Raoul Björkenheim.
11/18: Food - Last Supper - Beautiful album, the last one with Arve Henriksen on trumpet.
11/02: Nils Økland - Bris - Long awaited follow-up to Straum from 2000. You won´t be dissapointed!

Mon, 13 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700

After doing the Northwest Passage Festival in SF, Supersilent will head up to Vancouver, Canada on November 5 to play the Scotiabank Dance Centre. Details: http://www.jazzvancouver.com/concerts_details.cfm?event_id=1115&sec_view=

Thu, 19 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Things are starting to come together a bit more for the Northwest Passage Festival here in San Francisco in early November. As mentioned before, it will mark the US debut of renown Norwegian avant-jazz-improv act Supersilent and will also be their first show together with countrymen Jaga Jazzist. And if that wasn't enough already, also now confirmed on for the fest are DJ Bjorn Torske, DJ Strangefruit and DJ Kent Horne, vocal/electronic artist Maja Ratkje and a solo performance from trumpet player Arve Henriksen of Supersilent. Tickets are already on sale so far for the Supersilent/Jaga Jazzist show and you can get full details here: http://www.northwestpassagefestival.com

See you there?

Thu, 12 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Tunisian artist Dhafer Youssef is doing a bunch of dates this fall with a Norwegian backing band featuring Arve Henriksen (Supersilent, trumpet/electronics), Eivind Aarset (guitar/electronics), Audun Erlien (bass) and Rune Arnesen (drums). Dates:

11/11 - tba, Madrid (SPA)
11/18 - Queen Elizabeth Hall, London (UK)
11/19 - Phoenix, Exeter (UK)
11/20 - The Zodiac, Oxford (UK)
11/21 - Contemporary Music Festival, Huddrsfield (UK)
11/23 - The Shed, Brawby (UK)
11/24 - Lakeside Art Centre, Nottingham (UK)
11/25 - Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton (UK)

Mon, 19 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Dusted reviews the Arve Henriksen (Supersilent) solo album "Chiaroscuro": http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/1553

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

Fri, 04 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Supersilent's concert in Oslo this coming August will be filmed for an eventual DVD release on Rune Grammofon. Kim Hiorthøy will direct and it should be out sometime early next year.

Thu, 27 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

I am unbelievably stoked: Supersilent and Jaga Jazzist are playing a show together at the SF Jazz Festival on November 4 at the Great American Music Hall. I'm not sure when tickets go on sale, but I'll most certainly be in attendance. Look for more California dates to be announced soon.

Tue, 18 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The press release for the new solo release "Chiaroscuro" from highly regarded Norwegian avant-jazz trumpist Arve Henriksen:

"Chiaroscuro" is the follow-up to this fantastic trumpet player's debut album, the much acclaimed "Sakuteiki" from 2001 (RCD2021). This time he is joined by drummer Audun Kleive and sound artist Jan Bang to create some very beautiful musical soundscapes where the trumpet is the natural focal point. There's also more room for Arve's wordless singing, sometimes used to stunning effect with Supersilent. As with "Sakuteiki", "Chiaroscuro" is recorded on locations in Norway, but this time in concert situations. The final selections have been chosen by Arve himself and treated and mixed by Jan Bang and Erik Honoré. The album's title comes from the Italian word meaning light and shade, referring to the technique of using these elements to achieve an illusion of depth in two-dimensional works of art and later in moving pictures, cue the titles of the individual tracks on the album.

Look for it May 25 in Norway via Rune Grammofon, June 6 in the US.

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.

Tue, 16 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Upcoming live dates for Supersilent:

07/03 - Jazz Festival Ljubljana (SLO)
07/05 - Copenhagen Jazzfestival (DK)
07/27 - Canal Street, Arendal (NOR)
09/03 - Trondheim Jazzfestival, Norway (NOR)

Tue, 02 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Word on the street has it that Supersilent will be playing the All Tomorrow's Parties Festival in East Essex, UK on March 27. Unless you already have tickets this probably doesn't matter much because it's sold out.

Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Arve and Ståle of Supersilent will tour the UK with Norwegian drummer Audun Kleive as the group Generator X:

03/18 - The Wardrobe, Leeds
03/19 - The Shedmalton
03/20 - The Spitz, London
03/21 - Custard Factory, Birmingham

Mon, 16 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

The winners of Norway's Alarm Awards:

Pop: Magnet
Rock: Turbonegro
Jazz: Supersilent
Lydverketprisen: Karin Park
Metal: Dimmu Borgir
Video: Paperboys - Hey Man
Live: Turbonegro
Hip Hop/Rap: Equicez
Petreprisen: Ephemera
Electronica: Ralph Myerz & The Jack Herren Band

Tue, 20 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Deathprod aka Helge Sten (Supersilent, ex-Motorpsycho) recently finished mixing the new project "On", a collaboration between Chicago-based percussionist Steve Hess and French artist Sylvain Chauveau. The music is described as "calm improv" and it should be out sometime this fall. Look for the duo to tour the US this spring, too.

Mon, 19 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

The new Veslefrekk album "Vals" featuring the core trio of Jarle, Ståle and Arve from Supersilent will be out in April on NorCD.

Mon, 12 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Supersilent will be playing the Vossajazz Festival in Norway on April 3 with Terje Rypdal sitting in on guitar. Other confirmed artists for the fest include Xploding Plastix and Ralph Myerz & The Jack Herren Band. Details: http://www.vossajazz.no/

Tue, 06 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

BBC Jazz on 3 has an in-studio session with Food, the Norweigan jazz combo that features Supersilent trumpeter Arve Henriksen alongside bass and electronics player Mats Eilertson, drummer Thomas Strønen and English saxophonist Iain Ballamy. Listen here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/jazz/jon3/jon3030207ffood.shtml

Sat, 20 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Other notables/honorable mentions:

Cult of Luna - The Beyond & s/t reissue (Earache)
Crushing doom in the vein of Neurosis and Isis, but with a touch of something else that separates them from the rest of the imitators. Hopefully these guys will tour the US because I bet they kill live.

Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (Bud Fox)
Broder Daniel - Cruel Town (Dolores)
These are two of the best Swedish indiepop records this year and I think I actually like the former a bit more than the latter. Broder Daniel has some better songs when taken on their own, but the Shout Out Louds made a better album. I was hoping the latest Bad Cash Quartet would rate too, but it was a huge disappointment.

Zyklon - Aeon (Candlelight)
Ex-Emperor guitarist Samoth proves he can move on and still make quality music. One of the few black-metal releases this year that really caught my interest. Either the scene is stagnant or I've lost interest, not sure.

Motorpsycho & Jaga Jazzist Horns - In the Fishtank (Konkurrent)
It's about time the rest of the world was exposed to these guys. I can do without that one awful funk track, but the rest of this is great stuff. Hopefully the increased international profile of this release will help them get their own music recognized and appreciated.

Randy - Welfare Problems (Burning Heart)
I don't listen to much punk-rock these days, but Randy always delivers. Looking forward to the US tour in February.

The Cardigans - Long Gone Before Daylight (Stockholm Records)
I was really put off by the mellow 70s vibe at first, but once I got over it I found out there were some pretty great songs here. Definitely not what I was expecting, but worth a second glance if you passed it over before.

Ricochets - Ghost of Our Love (White Jazz)
Tiger Lou - Trouble And Desire (Startracks)
Mustasch - Ratsafari (Majesty/Capitol)
Seven Feet Four - Departure/Arrival (Coalition)
Four solid releases from four very different acts. Nothing life changing here, but all still quite good and definitely worth investigating.

Jaga Jazzist - The Stix (Smalltown Supersound)
Supersilent - 6 (Rune Grammofon)
v/a - Money Will Ruin Everything 2xCD + Book (Rune Grammofon)
Norway is really a hotbed for experimental genre-expanding music right now and these three releases are a great place to start. You won't find that elusive "next big thing" here, just music that will make you think. Both Smalltown Supersound and Rune Grammofon are labels to keep an eye on.

Top ten: 2003

Sat, 20 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Drum roll please! Here it is at last, the It's a trap! top 10 records of 2003...

10. Junior Senior - D-d-don't Stop the Beat (Crunchy Frog/Atlantic)
This record is 100% mindless entertainment and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, especially when it's done so well. For some reason, the geniuses behind the American version decided to tack on two bonus tracks and totally kill the way the album ends. I don't get it - it ruins the purpose of the fade out that runs back into the first song. Ridiculous.

09. Opeth - Damnation (Koch)
I've always been a big fan of Opeth's softer moments, so I eagerly anticipated the release of this record and was not let down at all. Besides being one of the better live shows I saw this year, this proves that the band can transcend the boundries of the metal genre into realms of prog and melodicism far beyond their peers. The fact that a number of my non-metal friends also consider this one of 2003's best proves it.

08. Kaizers Orchestra - Evig Pint (Broiler Farm)
Take the music of Tom Waits, add a dash of Sixteen Horsepower, throw in a heathy dose of Nordic/Eastern European folk, add some pump organ and metal percussion and you're just about there. The Kaizers manage to strike a great balance of huge pop hooks with a subtle dark and dangerous edge. Don't let the fact they sing in their native Norweigan tongue scare you off because you'd be missing out. I don't need to know what they're saying to know they're good.

07. The Knife - Deep Cuts (Rabid Records)
This is not your usual electropop. The brother/sister duo of Karin and Olof Dreijer use the same elements of others in the genre, but in the process they manage to craft something far more interesting and multifaceted. It may sound like simple dance music at first, but there is far, far more at work here. Karin's unique vocals may put you off at first, but trust me - they are just another part of what makes The Knife great. Give it time.

06. Isolation Years - It's Golden (MNW)
It took me all year to finally understand the qualities that make this record great. I decided to put this on during a drive through the pine forest while on vacation and suddenly it all made sense when combined with the scenery. Isolation Years is a great example of what I love about the Scandinavian scene, especially the bands from around Umeå. Their sound is so distinctive, yet I can't quite put my finger on it. I just know it when I hear it in their lyrics and melodies. So evocative.

05. José González - Veneer (Imperial Records)
This record was surrounded by so much hype I was ready to pan it just because of my contrary nature. But you know what? Sometimes there's tons of hype for a reason. Maybe not quite the second coming of Nick Drake like you may have been led to believe, but still damn good.

04. Moonbabies - The Orange Billboard (Chalksounds/Hidden Agenda)
I've said it before and I'll say it again - this is the pop record of the year. It's almost too flawless, it's so meticulously put together. If it doesn't grab you immediately, I'd check your pulse.

03. Beyond Dawn - Frysh (Peaceville)
Probably the only record this year from a band who followed up a previously great release (the amazingly titled "Electric Sulking Machine") with something even better, other than Logh (see #1). Beyond Dawn never ceases to amaze me as they grow and innovate. You can still hear traces of their doom metal past in their refined, modern sound, but they have moved into a realm beyond genres. Listen to their cover of Autopsy's "Severed Survival" and maybe you'll understand. It really is a crime how underappreciated this band is.

02. Carpet People - More Bad Weather Coming Out of the Rain (Chalksounds)
The perfect companion soundtrack for a long northern winter. The utterly fearless way they let the songs expose themselves by stripping down the instrumentation is stunning. So sparse, somber, striking and dark, but yet so starkly beautiful at the same time.

01. Logh - The Raging Sun (Bad Taste Records)
I can barely think of where to begin here, this album is just too good. Logh never ceases to amaze me with everything they do. Every release of theirs in another gem in their crown and I'm thoroughly convinced at this point that they can do no wrong. Another band who epitomizes what I love about Scandinavian music and whose sound conjures up images of cold Swedish landscapes.

Other notables/honorable mentions:

Randy - Welfare Problems (Burning Heart)
I don't listen to much punk-rock these days, but Randy always delivers. Looking forward to the US tour in February.

US/non-scand records:

Kayo Dot - Choirs of the Eye (Tzadik)
If Radiohead played heavy music and had a far more orchestral bent, they might sound something like this. So amazingly intricate. I hear something new every time I put it on.

Khanate - Things Viral (Southern Lord)
Brutal doom that's so heavy it feels like the sky is going to collapse and suffocate you. Not for everyone, that's for sure.

Johnny Cash - Unearthed (Sony/American)
Merle Haggard - Like Never Before (Hag)
Two American icons of country music, both classic. Johnny Cash may have passed on this year, but his legacy is unbeatable. As for Hag, he's one of those rare artists who keeps getting better as he gets older. "Like Never Before" is his newest and it's full of the kind of wisdom and maturity that just can't be faked.

Should've made last year's list:
EST (Esbjörn Svensson Trio) - Strange Place for Snow (Diesel/Sony)
This year's release "Seven Days of Falling" is pretty good, but it's no match for last year's product. Even my jazz-hating wife likes this album and will listen to it over and over. The way this group combines the classic with the modern is so wonderfully inspired it's no wonder they are one of Europe's top rated acts in the genre.

Thank goodness for filesharing:
Pan Sonic live bootlegs
Somehow the subtleties and excellence of Pan Sonic's minimalist music is transformed into something far greater when amplified and distorted. There's some great recordings floating around out there.

Next year:
So far, I'm looking forward to new releases from Kristofer Åström, Cobolt, C.Armeé, Sahara Hotnights, Soundtrack of Our Lives, Tiger Lou, Weeping Willows and of course, KVLR to name a few. There's also an album in the pipeline from The Hives that's sure to be hyped beyond belief. And then there's the international promotion of José González and The Concretes to look out for, as well as who knows what other flavor-of-the-month they might try to sell you. As always, you know where to come if you want to hear about it first.

Fri, 19 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

A scant two Scandinavian entries in the Pitchfork top 50 of 2003:

#50: Supersilent - 6
#36: Junior Senior - D-D-Don't Stop the Beat

Wed, 17 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

The BBC has chosen Supersilent's "6" as one of their nominees for experimental album of the year. Go here to cast your vote. Other Scandinavians acts nominated for the award include EST (Esbjörn Svensson Trio) in the jazz category and Plej in the dance category.

Tue, 16 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

It's not too dissimilar from the Dagbladet list (see 12/09), but here's the top 21 records of the year from Norway's Aftenposten:

01. Equicez - "State Of Emergency"
02. Magnet - "On Your Side"
03. Thomas Dybdahl - "Stray Dogs"
04. King Midas - "Romeo Turn"
05. Vidar Busk - "Love Buzz"
06. Turbonegro - "Scandinavian Leather"
07. Ephemera - "Air"
08. Rebekka Bakken - "The Art Of How To Fall"
09. Tord Gustavsen Trio - "Changing Places"
10. Supersilent - "6"
11. Enslaved - "Below The Lights"
12. El Corazón - "El Corazón"
13. Karen Jo Fields - "Chase The Blue"
14. St. Thomas - "Hey Harmony"
15. Dimmu Borgir - "Death Cult Armageddon"
16. Bertine Zetlitz - "Sweet Injections"
17. Kaospilot - "Kaospilot"
18. Cloroform - "Hey You Let's Kiss"
19. Kaizers Orchestra - "Evig Pint"
20. Jaa9 & OnklP - "Bondegrammatikk - The Mixtape"
21. Ricochets - "The Ghost Of Our Love"

Sat, 13 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

v/a - Money Will Ruin Everything (2xCD + book) (Rune Grammofon)
If you are at all curious about the current avant-garde music scene, you need to get this. The Norweigan scene spotlighted here is where a lot of really exciting things are happening in music nowadays. As anyone who reads Wire already should know, bands like Supersilent and Jaga Jazzist are becoming increasingly revered worldwide and for good reason. And that's just two of the thirty names here. These groups are challenging and expanding the boundries of rock, electronica and jazz to create something completely new and amazing. And even though the marriage of physical art and music is nothing new, it's great to see the tradition continued with this exquisite package. Highly recommended.

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

Upcoming Supersilent-related live events next year:

01/31 - Pistol & Motorsykkel [Helge (treatments) & Jarle (drums)] in Bergen, Norway
02/07 - Arve (solo) in Bergen, Norway
02/13 - Supersilent in Rome, Italy
04/01 - Supersilent in Paris, France
04/03 - Supersilent in Voss, Norway

Thu, 04 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Nominees for Norway's Alarm awards:

Rock:
Turbonegro - Scandinavian Leather
King Midas - Romeo Turn
Ricochets - The Ghost Of Our Love
Amulet - Danger! Danger!
Sgt. Petter - It's A Record

Pop:
Julian Berntzen - Waffy Town
Magnet - On Your Side
Ephemera - Air
Thomas Dybdahl - Stray Dogs
Karen Jo Fields - Chase The Blue

Metal:
Dimmu Borgir - Death Cult Armageddon
El Caco - Solid Rest
The Cumshots - Norwegian Jesus
Enslaved - Below the Lights
Thulsa Doom - ...And Then Take You To A Place Where Jars Are Kept

Hip-hop/Rap:
Paperboys - The Great Escape
Equicez - State of Emergency - Generation Equiz
Jaa9 & OnklP - Bondegrammatikk - The Mixtape
Spetakkel - Spetakkel
Diaz - Velkommen hjem, Andres

Electronica:
Ralph Myerz & The Jack Herren Band - A Special Album
Pleasure - Pleasure
Xploding Plastix - The Donca Matic Singalongs
Tøyen - Did You Bring
Erlend Øye - Unrest

Jazz:
Atomic - Boom Boom
Supersilent - Supersilent 6
Come Shine - With The Norwegian Radio Orchestra In Concert
Håvard Wiik Trio - Postures
Paal Nilsen-Love / Ken Wandermark - Dual

Song:
Ephemera - Girls Keep Secrets In The Strangest Ways
Equicez - Barnslig
Ricochets - The Ghost Of Our Love
King Midas - Romeo Turn
Turbonegro - Fuck The World

Live:
Turbonegro
Ralph Myerz & The Jack Herren Band
King Midas
Equicez
The International Tussler Society

The Alarm awards aren't quite as respected as the Spellemannprisen, Norway's version of the Grammy, but are considered more of a stepping stone for young artists. Go to the Alarm site to vote for your favorites: http://www.alarmweb.org/2003/

Wed, 03 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Post-rockers The Low Frequency in Stereo have confirmed "Travelling Ants Who Got Eaten by Moskus" as the title of their new album. It's being mastered by Deathprod (Supersilent, ex-Motorpsycho) and will be out January 25 on Rec90.

Mon, 01 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

BBC Radio 3 will broadcast some live material from Nordic jazz improvising innovators Supersilent on New Year's Day, January 1 at 10pm GMT. It will include material from this past year's Molde Jazzfestival and will be available online after the fact.

Ariel Kill Him will release a new CDEP/12" of all-new material in February/early March called "Labyrinths". Here's the tracklist:

01. Popka
02. Leland
03. It Was You
04. Up and Down
05. Yellow, Brown and Green
06. Hold On/Labyrinths

As mentioned before, Norweigan singer/songwriter Askil Holm1 has a bunch of dates coming up in both Norway and Japan. He's also got a couple more confirmed gigs with Martin Hagfors and Cream of the Crop, who he plays guitar for. Here's the latest confirmed details (all dates in Norway unless otherwise noted):

12/03 - Cafe Kaos, Oslo (Thorvald meyers gate 58)
12/04 - Namsos - Event: Release of new book
12/09 - Ikenoue Bobtail, Tokyo (JAP) (acoustic)
12/11 - Dig me out cafe, Minami-Horie, Osaka (JAP)
12/12 - Club Acid, Shinjuku, Tokyo (JAP) (acoustic)
12/13 - HMV Shinjuku, Tokyo (JAP) (acoustic)
12/13 - Club Dawn, Osaka (JAP) (acoustic)
12/14 - Virgin Megastore, Shin-Saibashi, Osaka (JAP)
12/17 - Trondheim w/Martin Hagfors and Cream of the Crop
12/18 - Concert for Frelsesarmeen at Egertorget, Oslo w/Martin Hagfors and Cream of the Crop
12/18 - Blå, Oslo w/Martin Hagfors and Cream of the Crop
12/19 - tba w/Martin Hagfors and Cream of the Crop
12/20 - tba w/Martin Hagfors and Cream of the Crop
12/22 - Kaffebaren, Namsos
12/25 - Pub 1030, Verdal
12/26 - Sjøåsen Hotell
12/30 - Vik, Flatanger

Thu, 20 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800

A recording of Norweigan improv/experimental act Supersilent's concert at Jazzfestival Saalfelden in Austria on 08/30 will be broadcasted on Deutschlandfunk this coming December on the 29th. More info: http://www.dradio.de/dlf/

In other Supersilent news, the band will be performing in Dresden, Germany on December 13. Details: http://www.scheune.org/