It is safe to say the world is in a very different place from where it was some 12 years ago when Kings Of Convenience released their last album. With that in mind, it is perhaps reassuring to know that the famed Norwegian band are back once again to regal us. More importantly, ‘Peace or Love‘ appears to be a distilled version of everything we’ve loved from the duo in the past. It simply feels that the duo have slipped into their KOC guises effortlessly.
Right from the start, you know you are in for a treat as the actual Kings Of Convenience Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe‘s effortless harmonies weave magical patterns over gently plucked arpeggios. On tracks like “Rumours” and “Rocky Trail” the soothing music acts as a diversion to what is, under the surface, quite a bleak subject matter. It is not all doom and gloom as the duo venture into Bossanova territory as well as introducing a few sparse and unexpected electronic touches to augment certain numbers. The album also offers the right amount of guest sparkle, not least Canadian indie legend Feist who sounds invigorating on “Love Is A Lonely Thing“.
It is worth remembering this album is 5 years in the making and was recorded across several cities. Many bands with less credit in the bank may not have been allowed such liberty but with ‘Peace or Love‘ it feels like it was worth it.
TRACKS:
