The Faroe Islands are mostly familiar to me for their outstanding natural beauty, their abundant fishing resources and the fact their national team managed a shock 2-2 draw with Scotland during qualifiers a few years back. Music doesn’t feature very highly on the list of great imports from the unspoilt islands but one man is doing his best to single handedly change all that, Step up Hogni.
Citing Jack Kerouac, Ben Harper, and Lenny Kravitz as reference points suggest the guy knows what he is aspiring to musically and lyrically but, if anything, these references are a little restrictive as Hogni‘s music veers into different territories whilst never losing its focus. Opting for unconventional drum patterns, seemingly inspired by gospel anthems, and an indie blues guitar sound allows the singer-songwriter to showcase his strong vocal performance and combine it all in a natural and appealing fashion.
His first single ‘Soul Company‘ went to number one within two weeks in his homeland and was well received in Northern Europe. Now he is taking his album, Haré! Haré!‘ to be released The States and if we are lucky the UK and the rest of Europe should join soon.
Next time someone asks me what I know about The Faroe Islands I will point them towards Hogni and his music!
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