Orbits’ Live Show Is A Potent Display Of Commitment
Oslo’s iconic Blå is no stranger to transformative live performances, but on the 15th of November, it became the launchpad for a band redefining modern jazz: Orbits. Comprising vocalist Natalia, composer-producer Erland, and multi-instrumentalist Lars, the trio delivered a show that felt less like a gig and more like a communal ritual—a magnetic fusion of sound, emotion, and artistry.
The story of Orbits is as intriguing as their music. Lars and Erland had been friends for over 20 years but had never dared to collaborate musically. “We used to joke that working together might ruin our friendship,” Lars admitted. “We’re both strong-willed and come from such different musical spaces.” But everything changed when Natalia, extended an invitation. “She made us reconsider,” Lars continued. “And to our surprise, it worked.”
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The trio’s chemistry became undeniable during a pivotal week in Erland’s studio. With a tight deadline for a festival set, they dove headfirst into the creative process, writing without overthinking. “Later, we went to Italy for a few days, where we really fine-tuned the music,” Erland recalled. “The process was fast but exhilarating.” Lars added, “The magic of having three people is that you’re rarely stuck. Someone always has an idea that pushes things forward.” Natalia summed it up: “Once we performed live, it clicked in a way that felt undeniable. It’s one thing to write music; it’s another to see it resonate with an audience.”
For me, the trip to Blå began with an unexpected twist. Scammed by an Airbnb host the night before the show, I found myself welcomed into Natalia’s home—a haven that seemed to mirror her spirit. The walls, lined with an enviable collection of jazz records, radiated warmth and inspiration. It was a setting that spoke volumes about the roots of Orbits: rich in history, but alive with fresh possibilities.
When the band took to the stage, the atmosphere at Blå was electric. The audience, packed shoulder to shoulder, held their breath as Natalia stepped into the spotlight. Starting with their opening track, a lush, genre-defying piece that encapsulated their signature sound—vintage textures entwined with modern sensibilities—the performance felt like a revelation.
“It felt like we were finally sharing a secret we’ve been nurturing for years,” Erland reflected afterward. That sense of unveiling was palpable throughout the night.
The set was a masterclass in range and innovation, pulling heavily from their forthcoming debut album as well as the newly released ‘Bad Mantras’ EP. Tracks like ‘Synthetic Sweetness’ and ‘Falling Apart’ brought the crowd to life, combining danceable rhythms with emotional depth. ‘Synthetic Sweetness’ saw Natalia captivate the adoring crowd with soaring vocals and lyrics of heartfelt affirmation, declaring, “With you, I’m better.” The lush strings and intricate layering of their instrumental pieces transported the room into dreamlike soundscapes, with nods to Arthur Verocai’s orchestral brilliance.
Midway through the set, Natalia disappeared briefly, only to return transformed. Her initial understated black dress was replaced by a dazzling, sparkly ensemble. The change was more than aesthetic—it was a metaphor for the performance itself. Like celestial bodies shifting through phases, ‘Orbits’ evolved in real-time, revealing new facets with every note.
The experimental edge of ‘Bad Mantras’ shone during a standout performance of its title track. With its intricate arrangements, explosive crescendos, and haunting sound collages, the song seemed to pull the audience into a rich sonic world where pop hooks and avant-garde instrumentation met in perfect harmony.
“What sets us apart is our desire to merge the past and the future,” Lars explained. “We use vintage instruments not to mimic history but to push boundaries, creating something progressive yet grounded.”
This ethos shone in their recent collaboration with American organist Zach Tenorio. His contributions, layered with Lars’ intricate guitar work and Erland’s crisp production, created moments that felt almost otherworldly. Natalia’s vocals, meanwhile, anchored the music, her magnetic presence drawing everyone deeper into Orbits’ orbit.
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During a particularly moving moment, Natalia’s voice soared above Lars’ delicate guitar work, creating a tension so tangible it felt like the room itself was holding its breath. When the crescendo broke, it was met with cheers that seemed to echo endlessly.
Blå was the perfect canvas for such an experience. The venue’s intimate atmosphere, paired with subtle yet evocative stage lighting, enhanced the performance without overshadowing it. “I love Blå for its energy,” Natalia said. “It feels like the audience is part of the music.”
By the time the final notes of their closing track faded, the audience were spellbound, refusing to let the night end without an encore. The moment took on an emotional gravity as Natalia delivered a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother, who had been a constant presence at all her shows. Though her words were in another language, their weight was unmistakable, filling the room with an intimate poignancy. It was clear just how deeply the performance meant to her. Natalia’s ability to channel her grief into something so profoundly beautiful was nothing short of moving—a testament to her strength and artistry, and a moment that left the audience quietly awestruck.
As the band now gears up for the release of their debut album, one thing is clear: they are not just musicians—they are storytellers and boundary-pushers. Natalia summed it up perfectly in the post-gig interview “For me, it felt like we’ve finally hit our stride. Everyone on stage is deeply committed, and there’s a real sense of trust among us. That makes all the difference.” For those fortunate enough to witness it, it was an unforgettable night. For everyone else, the wait for Orbits’ album will undoubtedly be worth it.
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Words: Josh Crowe
Photo Credit: Helge Brekke
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