Posts tagged new release

Topp stemning pa lokal bar
Polyvinyl

After performing for countless indie and techno-heads in small England clubs, hopping through the European festival circuit, and a string of performances at this year’s SXSW, Norwegian pop troupe Casiokids are attempting to win over America. With their new album, which loosely translates to “Great Vibe At Local Bar,” they are quite successful in their attempt. 

Their first single, “Fot I Hose,” lacks vocals, but has the fun, plucky guitars and humming synth syncopation to set the stage for music that can seemingly make you sweat out happiness while dancing along. But when there is singing, lyrics are sung in the band’s native tongue of Norwegian. This choice isn’t distracting, nor annoying. The vocals merely become an additional instrument, blending into each track. “Finn Bikkjen!” showcases the quivering falsetto that channels the Bee Gees and ABBA, and the Afrobeat influence the band takes such pride in crediting.

“Verdens Største Land” is the top track of the album because it manages to mesh all of Casiokids’ influences into an almost-seven-minute homage. The Afrobeat inspiration is clear with its contagious jungle beat and pulsating, funky bass work, channeling a hearty mix of the Commodores and African Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa.” Throw in the poppy, fun piano melodies of “Grønt Lys I Alle Ledd” and the pure, percussion-thumping swagger of “Min Siste Dag,” and you have the bands’ fearless approach to creating music.

Between their classic pop arrangements, their tributes to disco greats and overall positive vibes, Casiokids create legitimately fun dance music, rather than tracks that are desperate to pack in as many musical references and production enhancements as possible. They manage to create an effortless assortment of songs that flow perfectly into each other, and aren’t threateningly loud or chaotic. Casiokids are here for the good times and I think it’s safe to say Americans will welcome the fun-loving gang from Norway with open arms.

In A Word: Contagious
Grade: A-
— by Alicia Fiorletta