JYGRI

G'te (English: riddle) is a band from Tr'ndelag, who were formed by Sveinung Sundli (violin, keyboards) in 2000, together with his sister Gunnhild Sundli (vocals), Gjermund Landr' (bass, backing vocals), Martin Langlie (drums) and Magnus Robot B'rmark (guitar, keyboards). In some ways these guys put Def Leppard to shame, as Gunnhild was just 15 at the time, and when they released this their debut album in 2002, she was the grand old age of 17. They take folk as their base, and some of their songs are actually reworkings of Norwegian folk numbers, but they feel far more strident and rough-edged than one would expect from that description. Gunnhild reminds me somewhat of Bj'rk, but with a band whose guitars are so sharp and staccato that one could easily get cut by the jagged riffs.

All lyrics are in Norwegian, but that isn't an issue as it adds to the mystery, as the band switch from one style to another, with the metallic blasting "Springleik" giving way to "Stengd d'r" which features Gunnhild accompanied by a piano and loads of reverb. This album saw them win the Spellemann award for Best New Artist, and Gunnhild's amazing vocals (which even at this age showed incredible power and sustain, moving through jazz, classical and other styles) combined with infectious and melodic support saw them take the critics by storm. This doesn't sound like a young band with a debut, but rather an established act who had been around for years, as this is mature, polished and enjoyable from the very first. I still can't decide which is my favourite studio album from G'te, as they are all so strong. They were soon back in the studio, though.

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Posted Sunday, October 13, 2019 | Review this album | Report (Review #2269236)

Evidently the tamer album of the band, Jygri is a nice album for one, who enjoys folk as it is and some heavier tunes. I loved the album the first time I heard it. Most of I was impressed of Gunnhild's vocals. The music seems to just back up lots of it. There are a lot of vocal passages witho ... (read more)

Report this review (#293474) | Posted by Passionist | Thursday, August 5, 2010 | Review Permanlink

Gåte (Norwegian for riddle) was a band from the middle Norway playing Norwegian folk music with influence of prog folkrock/progmetal, and a taste of electronica. You could also find realtionship to Bel Canto, Anneli Drecker and someone would say Bjørk. You could also say that Gåte is a kind ... (read more)

Report this review (#203401) | Posted by sugarmice | Tuesday, February 17, 2009 | Review Permanlink

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