Album Reviews

Album Review: Storsveit Nix Noltes – Royal Family Divorce

By | Published on Monday 20 April 2009

Stórsveit Nix Noltes

FatCat Records really spoil us, don’t they? Stórsveit Nix Noltes are an Icelandic collective including members of the wonderful Mum and associated acts who perform Bulgarian and other sorts of Balkan folk music. However, this folk music is skewed through a prism of twee post-rock, avant-noise with the native guitar/brass/violin interplay of the Eastern European jazz-folk variety. I’m sure there are countless influences I should be pointing out to you at the moment, but even with so many reference points, without an MA in Musicology, or being a senior staff writer at Wire, I’d struggle to tell you who they are. Nevertheless, I will try to explain – to some extent – what to expect. The music surges with an unpredictable gait that I would associate with Balkan folk music; it is dense, dark and celebratory. From elaborate and winding passages to brass and guitar transcendental peaks. This is nicely complemented when mixed with the more modern influences. ‘Paudusko’ seems to phrase Sonic Youth’s ‘Death Valley 69’ ending like the Manson victim howl bit. ‘Winding Horo’ has a bit that is like Sabbath plus disjointed space rock. These add to the charm of the album. However, what I recommend for fans of FatCat releases, folkies and Múm, is to avoid any deep analysis and just listen to this album. It really is a great, if slightly baffling, diversion and is a test of the most ardent fan’s listening through its extreme density and complex character. Yet, character is an apt word, for this recording is infected with a personality and kind of intangible element that I like but can’t fully explain. I am confused, but very happy about hearing ‘Royal Family: Divorce’. PG

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