We have already spoken at length about Bergen. with the exception of predictable music meccas like LA, New York and London we’ve featured a really high amount of artists from the Norwegian city. While the artists have all been different what seems to unite them has been a talent for delivering instantly memorable music. Sail By Summer easily fit that mold. With frontman Willam (a Grammy winner in his own right) delivering dreamy vocals over wonderfully woven melodies delivered by the Danish keyboard maestro Jens Kristian there’s not much to dislike here.
Our first exposure to the band was with the single “Lowlowlow” which channels Death Cab For Cutie with an instantly recognisable indie pop guitar riff and some epic drum programming. The tracks rolling chorus almost has a hypnotic energy makes it feel like a song you have known forever. Perhaps this is the most catchy track from the duo’s debut album ‘Casual Heaven‘, but it certainly isn’t the only standout moment.
You can dip in anywhere in the release and find something to dig. “Fetch Your Rose” is a steadily growing number with a quasi-lullaby quality to it. The instrumentation is direct but delicate at the same time, allowing the vocals to fill the space as the track grows and grows. “Invisible” is perhaps the most abstract track built on a reliable bass line and fuzzy guitar riff that givs the song momentum. Elsewhere, “Lower You Voice” and “Corner Kid” are more subdued but still possess the melodic magic from the other tracks mentioned.
Overall Sail to Summer have produced a set of songs that can instantly be associated with the artist while sounding fresh enough to merit repeat listens.
‘Casual Heaven‘ is out now.
TRACKS:
