Describing Norway’s The Low Frequency in Stereo as “eclectic” is an unfortunate understatement. Futuro toggles, in a rather freewheeling fashion, between anthemic pop by-way-of shoegazing and total fucking weirdness.  The most memorable (and best) songs balance the two, such as “Starstruck,” which amalgamates a motorik-informed rhythm with space rock reverb and bubblegum pop vocals (think Pia Fraus or Deerhunter). “Geordie La Forge” gives me a nostalgic tear for early Stereolab, back when the group was noisier and less space-age bachelor pad.

However, considering that the musical output of Norway has generally gravitated toward all that is evil (ya know, black metal), it makes sense that more dissonant turns like “Mt. Pinatubo” and the nine-minute, obviously cosmic “Solar System” create the “bad trip” ying to the Black Angels’ acid rock yang… and with saxophones, no less!

Perhaps because of geography or a vastly different drug regiment, the (as I refer to them as) LoFrequSter’s cluster of kraut, space, psych, and pop seems very far removed from similar sounds coming from the Yanks and the Brits – and proves that an identity crisis is not necessarily a bad thing.

Futuro is out now on Rune Grammofon.

- Kenny Bloggins

MP3 :::
The Low Frequency in Stereo – Starstruck
The Low Frequency in Stereo – Solar System