Hotly tipped new folk from Norway releases new video
She’s the Norwegian songstress celebrated by the likes of The Sunday Times, The Independent, Q Magazine and The Line Of Best Fit, evoking the warmth and resolve of Joni Mitchell, Nico and Vashti Bunyan. Today, Frøkedal proves that subtlety, contrast and restraint speak volumes with the release of debut album ‘Hold On Dreamer’ – out now via Propeller Recordings.
‘Hold On Dreamer’ arrives in a whirl of acclaim, with Anne Lise Frøkedal emerging an incredibly realised and well-versed debutante, following collaborative stints with Robyn Hitchcock, Sufjan Stevens and successful Norwegian outfits Harrys Gym and I Was A King.
The release is partnered with a new video for lead single ‘The Sign’, which sees Frøkedal teaming up once again with director Vibeke Heide. There’s an eerie, almost unnerving, quality to the pair’s collective output and the latest instalment proves no exception.
The track was inspired by categorical religious groups, with its joyous facade contrasted by a surprisingly sinister undertone and multi-tracked vocals to symbolise mob mindset. The video continues in a similar fashion, as director Heide explains: “Frokedal describes ‘The Sign’ as expressing a collective euphoria which originates in fanaticism. The lyric is about finding answers and the need to let go of fear and leave the past behind. Even though the mood is optimistic, there is also something disturbing about this scenario.
I find this to be present in the music as well, with its upbeat, crazy drums and clear vocal, and we tried to capture the rhythm and atmosphere in the video as well. Looking at the world today, I think our young are the ones who will need to break with the powers that be and find something new. The disturbing part is we don’t know what they’ll find…”
Having kicked off release festivities at London’s The Islington last night, Frøkedal embarks a string of live dates through greater UK and Germany in support of ‘Hold On Dreamer’ before joining the bill at Norway’s renowned Øya Festival in August. Full dates below…
