Old Friends, the latest record from Norway’s I Was A King, to be released January 25, 2011 on Sounds Familyre, touches on the phenomenon of the mysteriousness of friendship. In all the many splendored forms that human relationship can take, husband to wife, parent to child, sibling to sibling, and so on… it is neither biological, nor natural, nor instinctive, and as such, the existence of friendship is almost an oddity, but it is also sublime. Having previously collaborated with the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Emil Nikolaisen (Serena Maneesh), it’s no surprise that the new record features a bizarre cross-section of musical backgrounds as well, represented by indie-music luminaries (Daniel Smith, John Ringhofer, Emil Nikolaisen), an avant-classical composer (Joshua Stamper), a free-jazz drummer (Kevin Shea), an electronic music diva (Anne Lise Frøkedal). Indeed, their work together would seem strange were it not for the compellingly simple songs and clarion melodies of Frode Strømstad that provide a sure anchor for such wildly disparate musical proclivities. The album was recorded in April 2010 as the inaugural project for Daniel Smith’s Familyre Studio in Clarksoro, NJ. Stereogum recently premiered “Nightwalking” when the band announced their new album for Danielson’s label, and Filter Magazine premiered the new track “Someone Is Waiting” during the Thanksgiving week. In addition, I Was A King will also be included on the A Familyre Christmas Vol. 3 compilation this December as well, featuring a variety of Sounds Familyre acts.
http://bylarm.no/nor/artists/8974
