Kalbakken - Then I Saw Summer and Sun on the Earth

  by Adrian Huggins

published: 27 / 5 / 2009

---

Manchester-based, but Norwegian band Kalbakken bring their own take on Norwegian folk across on 'Then I Saw Summer and Sun on the Earth'. The band was formed by brother and sister Kirsty and David Birchall Nyhuus, who between them play the violin, guitar, mouth harp and do the vocals. The pair have been playing music for a good while and have eclectic tastes and influences which come through on this, their debut album. They sing in their native tongue, so I found this at times bto e a difficult listen, as to be perfectly honest my Norwegian isn’t that great yet and trying to follow an album with a phrase book just makes no sense. It is, however, beautifully sung throughout and, blended with a gentle yet stirringly dark modern folk sound, makes for a really engaging listen. You find yourself being taken away from reality and plunged into their magical world, which is of full dark fables and tales of Norwegian history. I did really enjoy, and find useful, the crib notes that are on the album sleeve. It shows a real depth to the band and their music which can be merely enjoyed as it is. I really got a lot out of reading their explanations of these songs. This is not the sort of thing that is for everyone by any means, but it holds a real charm to it which reeled me in instantly.

Track Listing:-

1 Budeie Sang
2 Sag Du Noko
3 Bjorka fra Bjaland
4 Hvem Kan Segle
5 Synnoves Sang
6 Bansul
7 Hesten fra Fornes
8 Horpa
9 Sa Klarnet Livet
10 Laling fra Trysil
11 Bonden Og Kraka
12 Jeg Lagde Meg Sa Sildig
13 Dae Ae So Fagert I Finneslotte

Label Links:-

http://www.littleredrabbit.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/LittleR_dRabbit
https://www.facebook.com/LittleRedRabbit/

Post A Comment

---

Comment

Name

your name

Location

ie London, UK

Submit

Check box to submit

Adam Coxon
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson

Dixie Ernill
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart

Malcolm Carter
Marie Hazelwood
Mark Rowland
Nick Dent-Robinson
Nicky Crewe
Nige Nudds
Philamonjaro
Richard Lewis
Shirley Procter
Spencer Robertshaw
Steev Burgess
Steve Kinrade

Steve Miles
Tommy Gunnarsson
Zena Grieg