It does not come to a surprise that Norway has nurtured yet another electro-pop gem; quintet, Highasakite, led by the fervent vox of Ingrid Helene Håvik, has finally reached U.S. soil and they’re already blossoming.
Norway’s capital, Oslo, being renowned for its eclectic music scene, was a rich and resourceful environment for the band’s innovative sound. Highasakite was born out of the members’ involvement in Oslo’s jazz scene, where lead vocalist Håvik and Trond Bersu first met. Fortunately, traces of soul and wistful rhythms can be found in the band’s EP In And Out Of Weeks, and in their debut record, “Silent Treatment.“
The album radiates the band’s countless musical inspirations with its dynamic combination of synthesizers, brass, percussion, horns, and deep bass. This melange of instruments, the playful pop sound, and Håvik’s poetic lyrics make for a compelling, textural listening experience.
When asked about her unforgettable lyrics, lead singer Håvik explained that:
“There are stories behind them [the songs] but I don’t really know if I want to tell them to people. I don’t care about other people when I write them, I write what I think sounds nice and about what creates beautiful images in my mind.”
Håvik expressed that she has drawn inspiration from the sound of indigenous percussion, which definitely resonates in many of the tracks. Because of Havik’s experimental nature, she has learned and incorporated a sound influenced by Bulgarian vocal choirs, adding an earthly essence to the album as a whole.
So, catch them on their East Coast tour while you can!
Tour Dates:
May 16 Mercury Lounge New York, NY
May 17 Cafe 939 Boston, MA
May 18 Black Cat Washington, DC May 19 Underground Philadelphia, PA
Check out their music video for popular track, “Since Last Wednesday.”
