Silje Nes: 'Yellow EP'

There certainly seems to be something in the Scandinavian water that continues to produce several of the most forward thinking artists of our era. Sigur Ros and Bjork (both Icelandic), being the most universally known, are undoubtedly the vanguard acts heading the charge. Sweden recently produced the outstanding psych-rock outfit Dungen, Demark gave birth to The Ravonettes and now from Norway, alongside Royksopp, comes similarly electro-minded Silje Nes.

This four-track EP showcases her skills at creating a song from almost any sound, whether it be a fractured beat, guitar or a dripping tap. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the best song, titled ‘Ames Room’, is taken from the debut album of the same name. The soothing melody mixed with child-like vocals is the musical equivalent of being given a massive hug by a docile bear. Lovely.

Of the three unreleased tracks, ‘Kast’ is the strongest, picking up the tempo with a shuffling drum beat that grooves along with layers of clicks, loops and a trance-like accordion melody. ‘Down The Snake Ladder’ starts nicely enough with a sliding guitar riff, but loses momentum and ‘Third Remove’ doesn’t really hold the interest, but is nice enough background music nonetheless.

On the basis of 'Yellow', although hit and miss, Nes is certainly full of talent. Subsequently if she can repeat the highs found here, then the recent standards set by similar artists such as Four Tet are well within her grasp.

Released on 17th March 2008 by FatCat.

Written by Edd Garratt.