With WAVES, the Norwegian outfit Husmo HAV return with a splash. Meaning ocean in Norwegian, HAV is a musical ecosystem led by trumpeter Thomas Husmo Litleskare, and the band serves as his primary creative outlet. The album drops on the Norwegian label Dugnad rec on January 29.
The band’s ear-catching cinematic music has been likened to both Jaga Jazzist and the Blade Runner soundtrack, so it seems only right they’ve labeled their music post-apocalyptic jazz – which might be the perfect musical backdrop for leaving 2020 behind.
WAVES is no gloom-fest, however. While Husmo HAV’s debut album was an exploration of melodic dark matter and magmatic soundscapes, WAVES has a brighter vibe throughout, projecting inspired energy with equal parts nostalgic longing and careful futuristic optimism. Driving bass grooves, icy synths and atmospheric trumpet screams combine to make this album their most expressive yet.
Husmo HAV received rave reviews internationally for their debut RIPPLES in 2019. The record was Bandcamp's Album of the day soon after release, and Dagens Næringsliv described the music as “sinister and delicate moods that get your imagination going”. Building upon the tone set on their debut, WAVES is a logical expansion of the work presented on RIPPLES.
Seeing as the members are known for playing with some of the biggest names in Norwegian pop and jazz – such as Highasakite, Ane Brun, The Switch and LASSEN – the term supergroup feels justified. The group was formed in 2018 by Thomas, drummer Tore Flatjord and bass player Stian Andreas Andersen. They were soon joined by synth sorceress Marte Eberson, and the creative chemistry was obvious. Like their first album, WAVES was recorded in Nabolaget Studio in Oslo, with the exquisite sound design of Roar Nilsen (Minor Majority, Hilde Marie Kjersem), and the album has been beautifully mastered by Karl Klaseie of Øra Mastering.
Whether you’ll enjoy it digitally, on CD, or through the limited pink vinyl release, WAVES will submerge you in Husmo HAV’s alluring waters. ✨
credits
released January 29, 2021
All tracks produced by Husmo HAV, sound design by Roar Nilsen.
Trumpet: Thomas Husmo Litleskare
Keys: Marte Eberson
Double bass: Stian Andreas Egeland Andersen
Drums & percussion: Tore Flatjord
Recording & mixing: Roar Nilsen, Nabolaget Studio
Mastering: Karl Klaseie, Øra Mastering
Cover design: Susy Lima
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