Label: Big Scary Monsters
Released: 19th August 2022
Spielbergs might have called their debut EP ‘Distant Star’, but they remain the brightest light in Norway’s burgeoning and furtive indie-rock/emo scene.
‘Vestli’ – named after a suburb of Oslo – builds upon full-length ‘This Is Not The End’ in every way, marrying relentless riffs and propulsive drumming with infectious melodies and giant hooks. Opener ‘The New Year’s Resolution’ sets the scene perfectly, with vocalist Mads Baklien fighting to keep pace with the runaway drums and guitar. It’s frenetic stuff, but remarkably this wall of sound is never to the detriment of the songs, which remain accessible throughout. But Spielbergs are no one-trick ponies, and the second half of the album finds the group dropping the intensity – albeit only by a notch – with equally satisfying results.
Even at the best part of 45 minutes long, there’s little filler to be found throughout, but instead, just a keen focus on putting the ‘rock’ into indie-rock. The results are always thrilling – and often spectacularly so. ■ Rob Mair
