The Low Frequency In Stereo: Pop Obskuro (Long Branch Records, 2013)

December 6, 2013 at 11:29 pm | Posted in Reviews | Leave a comment

The Low Frequency In Stereo: Pop Obskuro

Haven’t heard any of this group’s previous recordings, but they’ve been around for over a decade and Norwegian avant-rock powerhouse Rune Grammofon released their last one. On first listen, the presence of Krautrock rhythms, analog synths and female vocal harmonies immediately brings to mind Stereolab, and this band’s name doesn’t help defer those comparisons. Even with such an easy reference point, this is still very enjoyable indie-pop, and it definitely seems more informed by vintage electronics than most young bands trying to sound retro. “Cybernautic” has a lovely, catchy chorus and some vaguely Raymond Scott-esque synths (it puts “Cindy Electronium” in my head, and that is a good thing). “Black Receiver” is full of spiraling psychedelic feedback, and “Satellites In Sight” ends with ecstatic horns and keyboards. “Ionic Nerve Grip” is a bizarre spoken word track, with a ranting narrator who reminds me of Einar Orn of the Sugarcubes.

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