The Philosopher's Attic

Music is one of the most visceral and dividing standards of any culture that there is. Ever since the production spans of albums and concert tours have lessened, the explosion of styles and their according subcultures has become a phenomenon like no other in the history of mankind.
According to what you like to listen to, there’s a whole lifestyle that goes with it today. And while that in itself is an interesting observations, it’s not the aim of this post or the new series I am starting today.
Among this major industry and between bill board charts and sales, there are artists that get lost, but not unheard.

Some of these artists deserve a bit more exposure and I thought that by sharing a few of the hidden gems I have waiting in my iTunes library with readers and friends, everyone could be served.

So, sit back and let yourself be inspired by artists and songs that you barely hear on any radio station or in any chart listing.

Madrugada

A group I discovered through my husband who in turn discovered them when he visited friends and working collegues in Norway. The band name is in fact misleading rather pointing to a Spanish dawn rather than Norwegian solid guitar rock with a voice to melt stones and rival with the best from Bryan Ferry to Nick Cave. After four studio albums and waiting for the big break in the US or across mainstream Europe, the band’s guitarist died under unknown circumstances in his flat… they finished their last record titled Madrugada nevertheless and all fans agree: it’s probably their best. Unfortunately it seems like it will also be their last. The group has split up and no notice of a reunion has been announced.
The first video was the first song I got to hear from them and I’ve been under their charm instantly. Melancholic, haunting and with texts as bold and poignant as they get.
In between Albums, they recorded a song for Ane Brun’s Duet album, another fine artist that will be featured here very soon.

Ane Brun and Madrugada

And finally, last year, after the sudden death of their guitarist, the group finished the album with the remaining artists and it is my favourite of them so far.
Listen to this to know what I mean:

Sivert Høyem’s voice holds so many colours, so many shades of emotions and the sound has a feel of something you’ve known for a long time… like your favourite sweater or cardigan, that wraps itself around your soul and heart and leaves no place for superficiality.

• Madrugada on Wikipedia
• Official Homepage
• Madrugada Lyrics

EDIT: RSS Subscribers, please read the original post on the blog to see and listen the embedded videos that apparently aren’t parsing properly here. Sorry for the inconvenience.

yseult Personal, Soulfood art, music