Agent provocateur to the ‘quiet is the new loud’ of 2001 and tall, bespectacled one half of Kings of Covenience, Erlend Oye. Whilst the results of his whimsical nordic science are due out in earnest next Spring with the release of his first serious solo effort, ‘Unrest’ the crossover electronic world of indie-spock can be gently prepared by the 12“ vinyl only release of ‘Symptom of Disease’.
Soft, spooky and crackling along like a small yuletide fire,’Symptom of Disease’ is not great, but it’s not bad. This nice young man from Norway, responsible for the vocals on Royscopp’s ‘Poor Leno’ and ‘Remind Me’ and whose remixing, DJing friends include Andy Votel, Audio Bullys and Ladytron musters up enough ambience and techbot scruffiness to just about hit the spot. What’s more impressive though, is Erlend’s remarkable parody of Bernard Sumner on Prozac. A rare treat.
Handle with care.