Norway appears to have somewhat of a penchant for dark, brooding psychedelia. The much-revered Serena Maneesh and 120 Days flood from the fjords with their simmering majesty, and the baton is now very much grasped in the able hands of Trondheim quintet, The Lionheart Brothers.
With a profile in their motherland that found recent debut album ‘Dizzy Kiss’ (released over here in January 08) fly into the Top 15, the band are gearing up for an assault on the British indie glitterati. Tonight’s one-off preview in London was an explosive introduction.
Consisting of ex-members of the aforementioned Serena Maneesh and 120 Days, it comes as little surprise that The Lionheart Brothers are a band that shower their songs with a shivering expanse. Their sound recalls prime shoegaze, but rather than floating into oblivion, the songs throb with aggressive hooks and melodies that determines a deeper strength of soul. Debut single, ‘Hero Anthem’; all swirling organs akin to Spiritualized and Secret Machines is given a deliciously fizzing kick, whilst forthcoming single, the quite wonderful ’50 Souls And A Discobowl’ punches gloriously. Vocalist Marcus Forsgren, resplendent in blue blazer and a wild mop of hair, coos atop the melodious, mesmerising backing with a remarkable conviction and poise, curiously akin to a young Brian Wilson.
The gargantuan ‘Bring It Down’, with its My Bloody Valentine drum-rolls and rolling basslines towers with slick, dreamy guitar grooves.
If this was a mere taster to The Lionheart Brothers promise, we’re already gagging for their return. It’s still early days, but ‘Dizzy Kiss’ deliciously promises to be one of the most assured albums of 2008, and tonight Industry debuted one of the most devastating live bands to fall from Europe in years.
Truly convincing Nordic charm.
