Norwegian pop-duo Band of Gold are set to release their eponymous debut album. We’ve got the premiere of their single “The Parade”.

https://soundcloud.com/jansen-plateproduksjon/the-parade-single-version

What began as a pile of homemade demo recordings by Norwegian singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Nina Elisabeth Mortvedt, has now become a fully fledged album thanks to the duo’s other half, fellow-countryman Nikolai Hængsle Eilertsen. A prolific bass guitarist and producer – working both as a member of several groups but also releasing solo work – Nikolai first became involved with the project after he was sent some rough song sketches by Nina. Initially tapped to potentially produce, he soon relaised that his role in the making of the album would go beyond the conventional parameters of a producer: and so, Band of Gold was formed.

Their style is thoughtful pop, with the duo’s eclectic backgrounds in jazz, rock and country all merging to form a warm base for Nina’s introspective lyrics and characteristic vocals. Talented contributors such as Olaf  Olsen, who has worked with the endlessly-listenable Todd Terje, contribute to the group’s unique sound, but at its heart are Eilersten and Mortvedt. It’s a great pairing (who certainly look the part in these stark promotional shots), and we can’t wait to hear the whole album soon.

We’ve got the premiere of their single “The Parade”.  Nina Elisabeth Mortvedt’s vocals sound like Haim but homelier, sweeter and softer on the uplifting folk-tinted track that sounds like it should slot in seamlessly to the end of an 80s teen film. When the guy’s got the girl, whether that be rolling on a lawnmower, with the help of a boombox or air-punching with satisfaction on the high school steps, this song should be playing. Nina Elisabeth Mortvedt’s vocals sound like Haim but homelier, sweeter and softer.

Band of Gold is released by Jansen Plateproduksjon on 20th November.

Words: Benji Walters