Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Paul Broadhead discovers a dream-pop infused debut from the Norway band
Jansen Plateproduksjon
Released: 07.10.16
www.soundcloud.com/chainwallet
Hailing from the unlikely city of Bergen in Norway, Chain Wallet could be straight out of the 1980’s with this indie, dream pop, self-titled debut. Opener Abroad sets the tone early on and the album rarely deviates from nostalgic vibes nagging with reminiscence, but always remaining fresh and vibrant.
There’s little to set the band apart as Nordic, though Muted Colours isn’t a world away from sounding like A-Ha, with its catchy hooks and emphasised synths. Pale Memories is melodic and wistful and full of rich textures, whilst obvious single Faded Fight tells the tale of a failed romance without ever becoming maudlin. “Can’t you see, we’re not making any sense at all?” sings Stian Iverson. But everything about this record makes sense.
