Tag: Lindstrom

Review: Lindstrøm – Everyone Else Is a Stranger

The New Yorker once dubbed Norwegian DJ and producer Lindstrøm as “the king of space disco.” That’s as good a description for him as any I could dream up, and it’s epitomized in his latest record, Everyone Else Is a Stranger, which is full of neat rhythms, pulsing synths, and a vibration to it that seems to defy gravity.

The first few seconds of “Syreen” alone are designed to fill dance floors with the synthwave beats and inspiring electric piano notes. “Nightswim” is perfect for just such an activity at your lake house or a Las Vegas rooftop pool. It instantly makes you feel cool and sexy, but not so much that you turn into a “trying too hard to be cool” d-bag. He finds that sweet spot of “Let’s have fun and be sexy and cool with each other. No bad vibes here, just love.” The whole record is like that, really.

I can’t help but think Lindstrøm was influenced by Giorgio Moroder (and who isn’t, really?) when I hear the opening synths of “The Rind” – a neat synthwave track that prepares you for dancing, sparring, or shagging with an android (possibly all three). The ending title track is like a ten-minute cool-down meditation after the dance fest that’s been happening for the previous three songs. Lindstrøm has always excelled at evoking dreamy imagery in his music, and the title track is a fine example of that craftsmanship.

I also like the title of Everyone Else Is a Stranger. Except whom? Well, you, of course. You know who you are. You’re whomever is touched and moved by this record in anyway. He made it for you. Don’t refuse the gift.

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[Thanks to Jessica at Pitch Perfect PR.]

Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas announce “III.”

Photo by Kim Hiorthøy

Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas announce their new album, III, out November 20th on Smalltown Supersound, and share its lead single, “Martin 5000.” III is their first outing together in eleven years, since 2009’s II, and as ever, Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas have crafted their own unique sonic world. This is expansive, luscious electronic music rich with texture and intricacy, patiently revealing every eccentricity while constantly pulling the listener in. Getting lost never sounded so good.

Since the release of II, Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas have remained more than busy with their respective solo careers, but work on III was taking place behind the scenes the whole time—slow and steady by sending files back and forth. “There’s a different process with every album,” Thomas explains. “With the first two albums, we had a door between separate rooms in the studio, so I could open my door and play him something. We also toured together a lot after the first album, and after that experience we realized that we work better together at a distance. We’re doing our best work by not worrying too much about what the other one of us is doing.“

Eventually, the bulk of III came together over the last year, as Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas teamed up to craft a lush and lovely work that recalls the hazy atmospherics of Air, the loose-fit jazz of Lonnie Liston Smith, and the genre-resistant electronic music that both artists have made their name on over the course of their impressive careers. “Our partnership is very democratic—we never turn down each other’s ideas. And if it goes wrong, we blame it on the other guy,” Thomas says with a laugh. “The tracks that Lindstrøm sent me this time were almost like standard house tracks. I already had an idea of what I wanted to do, so I forced those tracks into new shoes and dresses.”

III is an unexpectedly subtle album, but don’t mistake that descriptor for suggesting that this music is subdued. Listening to it is like taking a microscope to a petri dish—the further you zoom in, the more your naked eyes (or, in III‘s case, ears) can witness an environment teeming with life and kinetic energy. Above all else, III is a testament to the adventurousness of Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas when it comes to soundcraft. Both artists have established separate careers on bodies of work that feature infinite twists and turns, thrilling their audiences with the suggestion of where they’ve been and where they’re about to go. Together, they’ve crafted what might be their most beguiling and inviting work yet, a jeweled box of electronic music ornately crafted but never losing the sense of playfulness that so many have come to love from them.
Stream “Martin 5000”

Pre-order III

III Tracklist
1. Grand Finale
2. Martin 5000
3. Small Stream
4. Oranges
5. Harmonia
6. Birdstrik

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[Thanks to Patrick at Pitch Perfect PR.]

Review: Lindstrom – On a Clear Day I Can See You Forever

Hailing from Norway, Hans-Peter Lindstrom has delivered a four-song album (the shortest track is 8:49) of ambient-disco-lounge music that is almost more of a feeling than a genre – On a Clear Day I Can See You Forever.

The title track (which was mostly improvised, and the rest of the tracks, while pre-planned, were done in one take) opens the album with synthwave subtlety that floats from your speaker like a three quarters-filled helium balloon moving across city rooftops in a low breeze. The rave synths and beats of “Really Deep Snow” move in so effortlessly that they catch you a bit off guard.

“Swing Low Sweet LFO” is the soundtrack to a 1980’s crime film set on Venus. The closer, “As If No One Is Here,” almost sums up the entire album. Lindstrom creates musical soundscapes that seem to be perfectly at home if no one is listening. They are songs of synth dreams that come to you as you sit in a train car warmed by the rising sun. They are strange yet pleasant visions you can’t explain. They are the sound of an artist enjoying free expression without limits.

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Lindstrom wades into “Really Deep Snow” with his new single.

Photo by Lin Strensrud

Norwegian artist Lindstrøm will release his sixth solo album, On A Clear Day I Can See You Forever, on October 11th via Smalltown Supersound. Today, he shares the lead single, “Really Deep Snow.”

In the autumn of 2018, Lindstrøm composed a commissioned piece for Norway’s premiere art centre, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. Sketches from the three sold-out performances became the foundation for the four tracks that make up On A Clear Day I Can See You Forever (a title inspired by the 1970’s musical On A Clear Day You Can See Forever starring Barbra Streisand). All of the songs are based on long, one-take recordings. “I felt totally unrestrained making this album,” says Lindstrøm. “I’ve listened to Robert Wyatt’s solo albums and his Matching Mole’s debut album a lot lately. It so effortless, fearless and free. And not insisting. I was very inspired by this”

This is also the first time ever Lindstrøm has made an album entirely with hardware instead of computer plug-ins. He utilized 30+ synthesizers and drum machines during his performance at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. The experience inspired him to embrace a similar set-up when making the album. The accessibility to his enviable collection of music gear – largely consisting of sought after synthesizers – allowed him to experiment freely with ideas and soundscapes. ​“The joy of making music on actual physical objects and devices makes a lot of sense to me now. After working on a computer for over 15 years, I don’t think I’ll ever look back,”​ he says.

Listen to “Really Deep Snow” – https://soundcloud.com/smalltownsupersound/really-deep-snow

Pre-order On A Clear Day I Can See You Forever – smarturl.it/sts346-preorder

On A Clear Day I Can See You Forever Tracklist: 1. On A Clear Day I Can See You Forever 2. Really Deep Snow 3. Swing Low Sweet LFO 4. As If No One Is Here

Lindstrøm Live: Wed. Oct. 23 – Bergen, NO @ Ekko Festival (Tickets)

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Top 20 Singles of 2018: #’s 5 – 1

Here we go!

#5: “Limp Wrist” by Bev Rage and the Drinks – This queercore punk delivers a wallop in under two minutes. This song floored me when I heard it, and I started telling everyone I knew about Ms. Rage and her band.

#4: “How Did This Happen!? by BODEGA – The return of post-punk continues with this great NYC band and this single that trashes hipsters. I couldn’t stop listening to this once I heard it.

#3: “Blinded by the LEDs” by Lindstrom – If you need an amazing EDM track, floor-filler, workout playlist topper, or just something to be stunned by, look no further.

#2: “Make Me Feel” by Janelle Monae – Easily the sexiest song of the year. I can’t describe it any better than that.

#1: “Always Elsewhere” by Ron Gallo – This Zen-punk jam became my mantra after hearing it. It was a much-needed crack with a Zen master’s stick during months of chaos both local and domestic. Gallo‘s suggestion that we embrace presence instead of the willful scattering of our attention is a battle call.

Thanks for reading. Up next, the top 30 live acts I saw in 2018.

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Lindstrom’s new single, “Blinded by the LEDs,” is one of the best electro tracks of 2018 so far.

Lindstrøm Presents New Single, “Blinded By The LEDs,”
To Celebrate Oslo’s Henie Onstad Kunstsenter’s 50th Anniversary

Listen HERE

 
(above image by Lin Stensrud)
Norwegian electronic producer, Lindstrøm, presents new single “Blinded By The LEDs,” a commissioned work to preview his forthcoming performances later this month celebrating the 50th anniversary of Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, Oslo’s famous futuristic waterside modern art center gallery and live venue. The sold out performances happening August 23rd, 25th & 26th take place exactly 50 years after the legendary Norwegian contemporary composer Arne Nordheim performed “Solitaire,” an electro-acoustic contemporary composition, on opening night in 1968. For these performances, Lindstrøm will do an entirely analogue performance of 10+ songs live on more than 20 analogue synthesizers and drum machines with visuals.

Out today via Smalltown Supersound, “Blinded By The LEDs” is a reference to both Bruce Springsteen and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. And rather than riff on Nordheim’s musique concréte, Lindstrøm has woven his own signature tapestry of influences and inspirations into the song, including Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” ESG’s “Moody,” Queen’s “Back Chat,” Liquid Liquid’s “Cavern,” Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “In The Evening,” John Carpenter’s “Assault On Precinct 13,” and Lindstrøm’s own “Fast & Delirious.”
Listen to Lindstrøm’s “Blinded By The LEDs” –
https://youtu.be/xQNm7dzLJEE

Download hi-res press images of Lindstrøm and album art –
http://pitchperfectpr.com/lindstrom/

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Lindstrom releases “Tensions” from his upcoming album of space disco.

LINDSTRØM, “THE KING OF SPACE DISCO” (NEW YORKER),
SHARES NEW SINGLE, “TENSIONS,” OFF IT’S ALRIGHT BETWEEN US AS IT IS,
OUT OCTOBER 20TH ON SMALLTOWN SUPERSOUND

LISTEN HERE

(above image by Lin Stensrud)

“More long and futuristic cuts from the Norwegian producer who can make Daft Punk and Terry Riley fans dance into the afters.” – New York Magazine Fall Preview 2017

“’Shinin’ is filled with a captivating melange of synths and a shuffling drum beat. Hall’s rich croon matches the track’s cosmic vibes though her lyrics about hanging at the park with a new flame help ground ‘Shinin’ in the real.” – Rolling Stone

“[Lindstrøm & Hall’s] partnership is capable of creating moments of genuine inspiration; at one point near the track’s final stretch, they weave in a sort of ululating vocal loop that sounds like Hall singing an arpeggiation. . .  set against the backdrop of Lindstrøm’s sheeny production, it totally works, and injects just the right amount of weirdness into this otherwise crystalline track.” — Pitchfork

Norwegian producer Lindstrøm will release his fifth solo album and first since 2012, It’s Alright Between Us As It Is, on October 20th via Smalltown Supersound. After presenting debut single, “Shinin” feat. Grace Hall, one of three guest vocalists on the album alongside Frida Sundemo and Jenny Hval, who “lends her haunting, whispered vocal to his twisted, dark disco” (MOJO), Lindstrøm now shares “Tensions.” It’s “classic Lindstrøm…enveloping electro-disco that seems to build and build until dizzy with joy” (Uncut). The album, presented as one continuous stream of nine interlocked tracks, aggregates all the best elements of his long and varied career and newly reveals Lindstrøm to be a commanding mood sculptor.
The “Tensions” 12”, which also features a remix by Will Long, is available for purchase now.
Listen to Lindstrøm’s “Tensions” –
http://smarturl.it/sts31812-digi
Pre-order It’s Alright Between Us As It Is –
http://smarturl.it/sts320-bcamp

Purchase “Tensions” 12 —
http://smarturl.it/STS31812-retail

         Lindstrøm Tour Dates:       
Fri. Aug. 25 – Niort, FR @ Jeudis Niortais – Les Jardins François Mitterand
Fri. Sep. 1 – Randaberg, NO @ Randaberg Kulturhus
Sat. Sep. 2 – London, UK @ Village Underground
Sat. Sep. 16 – Bucharest, RO @ DokStation at Control Club
Thu. Nov. 9 – Brooklyn, NY @ Good Room
Fri. Nov. 10 – McDade, TX @ Sound On Sound Festival
Sat. Nov. 11 – Chicago, IL @ Smart Bar

Download hi-res press images of Lindstrøm and album art –
http://pitchperfectpr.com/lindstrom/

(It’s Alright Between Us As It Is cover art)

Lindstrom’s new album, “It’s Alright Between Us As It Is,” due out October 20th.

LINDSTRØM ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, IT’S ALRIGHT BETWEEN US AS IT IS, OUT OCTOBER 20TH ON SMALLTOWN SUPERSOUND

LISTEN TO LEAD SINGLE “SHININ” FEAT. GRACE HALL
http://bit.ly/2wrQrm3
(above image by Lin Stensrud)
Norwegian producer Lindstrøm, aka “the king of space disco” (New Yorker), will release his fifth solo album, It’s Alright Between Us As It Is, on October 20th via Smalltown Supersound. The album, presented as one continuous stream of nine interlocked tracks, shows Lindstrøm refining his love of arpeggiated synths, relentless uplifting beats, warm and steamy analogue bubble baths and earworm melodies. In conjunction with today’s album announcement, he shares the shimmery electronic pop of lead single “Shinin” feat. Grace Hall. It’s one of three songs on the album with guest vocalists; the others feature Jenny Hval and Frida Sundemo.

Based in Oslo, Lindstrøm has always made a virtue of his obsessive work ethic, turning his city center studio into a factory floor for churning out monster tracks, then punching out regularly and going home to his family. He’s collaborated with the likes of Todd Terje, Prins Thomas, and Todd Rundgren, remixed a slew of acts, including LCD Soundsystem, Lana Del Ray, Haim, Grizzly Bear, Flume, RAC, London Grammar, and more. On It’s Alright Between Us As It Is, he aggregates all the best elements of his long and varied career and newly reveals himself to be a commanding mood sculptor.

 

Lindstrøm will play select shows this fall.

Listen to Lindstrøm’s “Shinin” feat. Grace Hall –
https://soundcloud.com/smalltownsupersound/lindstrom-shinin-feat-grace-hall-1/

Lindstrøm Tour Dates:
Fri. Aug. 25 – Niort, FR @ Jeudis Niortais – Les Jardins François Mitterand
Fri. Sep. 1 – Randaberg, NO @ Randaberg Kulturhus
Sat. Sep. 2 – London, UK @ Village Underground
Sat. Sep. 16 – Bucharest, RO @ DokStation at Control Club
Thu. Nov. 9 – Brooklyn, NY @ Good Room
Fri. Nov. 10 – McDade, TX @ Sound On Sound Festival
Sat. Nov. 11 – Chicago, IL @ Smart Bar

It’s Alright Between Us As It Is Tracklist:
1. It’s Alright Between Us As It Is
2. Spire
3. Tensions
4. But Isn’t It feat. Frida Sundemo
5. Versatile Dreams (Interlude)
6. Shinin feat. Grace Hall
7. Drift
8. Bungl (Like A Ghost) feat. Jenny Hval
9. Under Trees

Pre-order It’s Alright Between Us As It Is –
http://smarturl.it/sts320-bcamp

Download hi-res press images of Lindstrøm and album art –
http://pitchperfectpr.com/lindstrom/

(It’s Alright Between Us As It Is cover art)

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