Quality or quantity?

The Norway-based indie-rockers Kings Of Convenience has never been seen as a studio act. It is clear now that they prefer quality to quantity; and so far this approach has demonstrated its efficiency. After all, we would be gladder with one good record in three years rather than poor efforts produced all the time. Yet five years is too much some of the duet’s fans could think. Five years. That’s how long Kings of Convenience kept silent before they finally released their new long player Declaration of Dependence in this autumn. Seems like only old-timers of musical stage, veterans who have already showed what they are made of, can afford releasing new albums this rarely. However, we are talking about a band that had only two records in the recent past and took that long to produce the third. No doubt, all supporters of the Norwegian duo are entitled to demand not just another album, but a real piece of art here. It is your own judgment that will decide if Declaration of Dependence is truly a masterpiece. Yet it certainly is worth listening to.

New music from old friends

So, Declaration of Dependence is a long–awaited and so much belated follower of such a strong release as Riot on an Empty Street, Kings of Convenience’s highest seller so far. The new album is opened by… its cover. That’s right, the folder of the record is what charges the whole CD with a certain type of mood. This is that very story when the picture on the folder is selected perfectly for the CD. A fragment of idle and quiet life at a Mexico beach is splendid scenery for the events unfolding in the thirteen tracks of the whole record. Lightness is the sense that will overwhelm you after a look at this picture and will remain with you as long as you listen to these songs. Kings of Convenience are not so hard anymore with their musical arsenal getting plainer, yet not poorer. Now all you attention will be focused on the vocals and acoustic guitars mainly. You will understand that once you hear the first sounds of track number one, 24-25. The most rhythmical song of all those presented is likely to be Mrs. Cold, certainly a nice invitation for a dance. You are sure to be surprised with My Ship Isn't Pretty, and Power of Not Knowing, having echoes of folk. The vocal solutions are now richer as the range is much wider. It is best proved by tracks Freedom and Its Owner, and Me in You, storing the so unexpected falsetto for you. In general, all the thirteen songs form flawlessly a unity and sound truly harmonically. This is so important for a conceptual album like Declaration of Dependence, a story of two people living different lives and feeling that their union could make them happy.

Declaration of Excellence

Any adult and reasonable person should know what declaration of independence is. Kings of Convenience want to introduce a declaration of dependence. Do not expect politics, mottoes, rights or liabilities. This is only music and a fascinating tale taken right of the reality of ours. Having worked enough with their side projects, the members of the Norwegian duet reunited in the studio to prepare another wonderful present for their supporters. It definitely has the marks of the last five years. Declaration of Dependence shows clearly the changes in the musical views of the Norwegians, the wisdom they gained, the talent they polished. Perhaps, you will not discover so many revelations in this work like in those two released by Kings of Convenience. After all, it gets harder and harder to offer something new with each subsequent record. However, you can not but feel the confidence that the musicians demonstrate doing their job. They are no longer youngsters on the big stage, but mature people with their own views, ideas and solutions. Their experience and skills guarantee that they are able to realize any ambitious project they have, which is proved excellently by Declaration of Dependence. You may say five years is too long a waiting period, but you must notice the transfigured band that has changed greatly and consolidated its leading positions for the same five years to their own joy.

Alex Bartholomew

02.10.2009

Vote this review: 1 2 3 4 5
Review points: 4.94
Total votes: 17