Description
#smerz #vinyl #vinylrecords
The Copenhagen-based Norwegian duo, Smerz, consisting of equal halves Henriette Motzfeldt and Catharina Stoltenberg has indeed taken the music scene by storm with their revolutionary sound. In their album, “Believer”, which dropped in 2021, the pair displayed the product of their growth in the music world. Culturing a unique style that synthesises the soul of R&B, the vibrance of club beats, and the grandeur of orchestral music, the duo has crafted an eclectic mix that underlines their creative capabilities.
The bold hits from “Believer” are testament to the journey of this promising pair from their 2017 XL debut of “Half Life”. The title track stands as a clear fan favourite with its pulsating rhythm and edgy industrial tones, reminiscent of the revivalist fast techno trend seen in recent years. The fusion of the Y2K hip-hop undercurrent veers away from what listeners may anticipate, but successfully so, setting Smerz apart from typical sound structures in the industry. The cheekily named ‘Missy’ and ‘Rap Interlude’ songs further prove this.
Experimentation is the album’s language, as the tracks continuously take an unexpected turn. The album is sprinkled with provocative breaks and an artificial ovation, purposefully pushing listeners out of their comfort zone. Emerging from a scene in Copenhagen where endurance and speed are virtues, the duo’s disruption tendency is possibly a reaction to such norms. Smerz doesn’t swerve so drastically as to spoil the listener’s enjoyment of the thumping bass and dryly melodious choruses – in fact, those elements are what amplify the duo’s charm.
Their debut album “Believer” sees Smerz balancing this stylistic spectrum. Switching from intense rave-fueled tracks in ‘I don’t talk about that much’ to scorching synth lines of ‘Max the next’, Stoltenberg and Motzfeldt construct their own labyrinth of sound that keeps the listener guessing. Among the disorientating soundscapes, tones of sensuality and nonchalant lyricism are a common thread, constantly grounding this musical maelstrom. The operatic ‘The Favourite’ stands as the unexpected jewel of the album, stripping away the electronic whirl to showcase a poignant cantata.
What makes Smerz irresistible is the way they incorporate vulnerability in their lyrics, creating moments of solace amid the electro-clash. This resonates particularly in songs like ‘Remember’, tackling rejection, ‘Flashing’ discussing inadequacy, and the uniquely danceable ‘Glassbord’. Despite being new to the electronic music scene, Smerz has established a standing that surpasses their fledgling status. This only propels our curiosity to see what else this dynamic duo has to deliver in future.
Born and raised in Norway, the pair met in high school before they relocated to Copenhagen in 2011. Their music premiere was with “Because” in 2016. Following this, they went on to release EPs such as Okey and Have fun under XL Recordings. With not just albums to their credit, Smerz have also hosted a radio show on NTS Radio since 2017 and performed at major venues worldwide. From London’s Tate Modern to MoMA PS1 in New York and Mutek in cities like Mexico City and Montreal – their audience spans the globe. Similar to artists like Jenny Hval and Susanne Sundfør, the music of Smerz offers a refreshing take in the unfolding landscape of modern electronic music. Their independent style is sure to draw and dazzle more listeners in the years to come.
