Hilde Marie Kjersem

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Key tracks:

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  1. A Killer For That Ache
  2. Mary Full Of Grace

Label: Rune Grammofon

Read Description:

Ethereal, haunting pop from Norway's brightest, freshest voice.

Welcome to the world of Scandinavia’s brightest, freshest voice – Hilde Marie Kjersem.

Released on Rune Grammofon – Norway’s answer to Rough Trade – the unusual, intricate debut solo album ’’A Killer For That Ache’’ is  reminiscent of a Danny Elfman score for a Tim Burton/David Lynch movie.  The record is neither jazz nor typically Nordic, but more akin to a musical journey through a haunted house with more than enough shocks and surprises to keep the listener enthused throughout. A vast wealth of musical influences such as country, trip hop and soul appear and disappear like  ghostly apparitions at various intervals. Fans of  Feist, Cat Power, Nina Nastasia and She Keeps Bees will find much to love here.

The album’s title track – ’’A Killer For That Ache’’ - is a spectacular highlight containing enough uniqueness and impact within the opening eight seconds to remind us that what we are hearing is very different indeed.  The track is comprised of beautifully layered ethereal vocals like the stunning harmonics of Kate Bush at her best. Elsewhere, ’’Mary Full of Grace’’ is equally delectable in the way that soft layers of horns, piano and acoustic guitar are skilfully warped around Kjersem’s soft, soulful vocals.  This strange, astonishing, captivating music is truly awe-inspiring and deserves to be heard over and over again.

Things to watch:

Releases we represent:

  • A Killer For That Ache | Album | Rune Grammofon | 2008 Release available in the USA

Quotes:

''Minimal melancholic beauty, perfect breathtaking melancholic beauty.  Album of the week.'' Organ

''Her voice is a captivating centrality...quite spectacular.'' Popmatters

''Led by a stunning voice...anyone who truly delves into it once will delve into it again and again.'' Experimusic

''This debut solo release glides into a much more pop realm than just about anything else released on the Rune Grammofon label.'' Almost Cool Music Reviews

''...gorgeous...evocative...majestic...ethereal...A Killer For That Ache is a welcome debut.''  All About Jazz

''A volatile experience.'' Boomkat

 

 

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