Album released 15/01/2012
"Very special" The Times
"The best thing to come out of Norway since black metal" NME
"Most impressive" Guardian Guide
"A Scandinavian sensation" The Independent
"Bleeping marvels" Artrocker
'Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen' is the eagerly anticipated debut album from Casiokids. Due for release on January 16th 2012 through Moshi Moshi Records, it follows the recent single 'Det Haster!' and marks a welcome and refreshing return for the quartet.
Hailing from the celebrated music scene in Bergen, Norway – also home to Whitest Boy Alive, Røkysopp and Annie - Casiokids have spent the last 12 months playing shows across North America, Europe, Mexico and Russia including being hand-picked by fellow Norwegians a-ha to support them on their last tour. They were also recently nominated for a Spellemann Award (the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy) and in amongst these events, they set about recording their long awaited album.
Whereas their past releases have been recorded quickly in unusual locations such as guitarist Fredrik Vogsborg's father's office, the hallway of the Bergen Jazz Association, and an old canteen, 'Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen' came to fruition within the band's rehearsal space at the newly established Bergen Kjøtt (a converted old abattoir also home to Datarock and Røkyskopp). The tracks were also recorded at the band's own pace, all within the same timeframe. As a result, the record is much more cohesive than their collection of previous singles and unlike anything Casiokids have released thus far.
Additionally, as a natural development, the four-piece were keen to expand their musical palette and experiment further on the production and instrumentation side.
From the titular album opener – an instrumental track featuring a mini orchestra – to closer 'Aldri Ska Me Ha Det Gøy' – the band's first true ballad, 'Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen' (which roughly translates to 'The Revelation Over the Mountain' in English) displays Casiokids' natural talent for infectious harmonies and bubbling synths.
The record also features guest appearances from of Montreal members Kevin Barnes, Kishi Bashi and Bryan Poole who were visiting Casiokids in Bergen whilst they were putting the finishing touches to the record (they toured Europe together in 2009). On 'Selskapets Triste Avslutning', Barnes has added his signature noise bursts alongside a live string arrangement in place of Casio strings.