Erlend Øye - Unrest

Erlend Oye, one half of the Kings of Convenience, teams up with a slew of international producers for his solo debut, UNREST. And, thanks to his strong songwriting and the producers' skill, this results in an outstanding album. Morgan Geist helps Erlend transform "Ghost Train" into a moody piece of electro, while "Sheltered Life" (with Soviet) is electro of a poppier vein. "Sudden Rush" is a subdued house track, with a chorus that'll have you tapping your feet and nodding your head. Part of Oye's strength is his lyric writing, which thankfully avoids cliche for the most part. But Jolly Music makes "Prego Amore" a pleasurable trip, with its staccato lyrics and peppy rhythm. "Every Party (Has A Winner and a Loser)," with the help of Prefuse 73, is sardonic blip-hop, while "Symptom of Disease" is a speedy little number. Bjorn Torske works his tech-house magic on "The Talk," and Schneider TM bleeps his way through "Like Gold," a track that brigns to mind the gorgeous Schneider's collaboration with KPT Michigan, "The Light 3000." For patient folks, there's hidden track, a remix of "Symptom of Disease" far into the last track. It's worth the wait.

There is no vocal on earth that makes me laugh , swoon and smile all at the same time quite like Erlend Oye's. While he had me fooled on Royksopp's "Remind Me" from Melody AM, I quickly discovered his King's of Convenience versus Remix CD.He also does a lovely version of "Last Christmas" on the Seasonal Gretings CD Compilation.

I am just waiting to hear him clear his throat and get ready to begin. Anxiously awaiting the release of Unrest with a gatehring of artists that will be a trip and a half! DocHawk- Karen