REVIEW: CASIOKIDS – AABENBARINGEN OVER AASKAMMEN
Synth-pop quartet Casiokids have been making quite a storm on the indie circuit since signing to Moshi Moshi records. Having recently played a string of UK shows, including a sold out show at London’s Shacklewell Arms last week, this debut album could be described as one of the most anticipated of the year. Hailing from Bergen, Norway, Casiokids firmly place themselves in the midst of their electro counterparts. Don’t let this fool you; their individual take on a somewhat oversubscribed genre is simple and effective.
The album kicks off with title track ‘Aabenbaringen over Aaskammen’ – an atmospheric, accordion tinged opener that sparks hints of early Arcade Fire. Sampling cassette books and radio shows, teamed with gentle instrumentation showcases the band’s ease of introduction. Single Det Haster! would make any audience erupt into a dance frenzy, proving that Casiokids can do electro dance floor fillers just as well as the pros. Elements of Toro y Moi and Friendly Fires are prominent in tracks ‘Dresinen’ and ‘Elefantenes hemmelige gravplass’ thanks to falsetto vocals and rhythmic bass without playing copy-cat.
‘Olympiske Leker’ has a childish charm reminiscent of Robyn and Annie’s quirky electro-pop, revealing the band’s light-hearted means when it comes to album tracks. Fans of the XX and Gold Panda will be happiest with instrumental tracks ‘Kaskaden’ and Sigur Ros inspired ‘Dr Tarzan Monsoon.’ The only let down of the album is final track ‘Aldri ska me ha det goy,’ which is seemingly lazy and the least intuitive compared to all the other tracks.
Fans of fellow electro darlings will snap this album up in a heartbeat. It’s refreshing and full of talent whilst still maintaining a sense of familiarity. The instrumentation is exquisite, the vocals haunting and the percussion infectious which makes Casiokids ‘Aabenbaringen over Aaskammen’ a sound debut indeed.
Words: Sammy Maine
