Enter Twilight EP by Magic Pillows (Review)

Every so often, it seems like the musical press latches onto one particular geographic region that seems to be bursting with new and previously untapped talent. Last year, it was Iceland, with critical darlings Sigur Rós leading the charge. As of late, it seems like a lot of focus has switched over to Norway, with groups ranging from Kings of Convenience to Röyksopp getting press. Hopefully, as the music press’ gaze shifts to that country, a group like Magic Pillows will get their fair share of attention, as well as their small label, Osito.

Led by multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Frode Helberg, Magic Pillows’ sound proves to be instantly captivating within the first 30 seconds of “Her Sunlight Trap.” A strummed acoustic guitar and sparse, tinkling pianos give the song a rather mellow start, and Helberg’s quivering vocals make it even more wistful and delicate. As the song continues, it begins to swell and grow. The piano gets a bit fuller but always remains tastefully restrained, as do the bass and drums. Gradually, chimes and string-like synths add additional flavor, as Helberg’s Dean Wareham-meets-Bob Dylan vocals are joined by those of Camilla Bruerberg.

My ears were immediately caught up in “Her Sunlight Trap,” and I have to admit that, at first, its beauty slightly overshadowed the other four songs. However, they quickly grew on me, especially “The Universe and the Watermelon Rose.” Much of that had to do with Bruerberg’s powerful voice, but Helberg’s scorching guitar and the rolling piano melody certainly don’t hurt. A bit more propulsive than “Her Sunlight Trap,” it provides a nice counterpoint reminiscent of Paula Frazer’s solo work (but perhaps with a bit more of a rock n’ roll edge).

“Twilight Serenade” goes down a bit more abstract path. A ghostly piano is joined by Helberg’s voice and both are placed under a thick layer of vinyl crackle, as if you’re listening to a parlor recording circa 1925. The crackling gives way to the aptly-titled “Fairyland.” Like “Her Sunlight Trap,” the song always seems to be developing over its 4 minutes, with bells, chimes, and pianos making way for Bruerberg’s rich voice and Helberg’s Luna-esque guitars.

I suspect that it’ll be Helberg’s vocals that make or break these songs for most people. They’re at their best when he keeps them mellow and relaxed, adding a gentle croon to “Her Sunlight Trap.” However, he pushes them a bit much on “The Universe…” when the song pauses for a dramatic vocal moment that feels a bit awkward. It works better with Bruerberg’s voice, but Helberg just can’t quite pull it off. And I have to admit that the whole Wareham/Dylan thing got a bit much during the EP’s final track. Helberg tries too hard to make his voice breathy and dreamy, when he really doesn’t have to try at all.

This being the band’s first release (that I know of), there’s bound to be a bit of polishing and tightening that can be done. Even so, there’s some considerable promise contained within these five songs, and I look forward to seeing Magic Pillows continue to develop and deliver on it.