Lyskestrekk

Review: Norwegian music has long tended towards the eccentric, though we can't think of many quirkier releases than Leoparden's recent album "Stilen Er Stimmvel" - a decidedly off-kilter set that mixes lo-fi synth-boogie, reggae, African rhythms, P-funk, blue-eyed soul and lashings of Scandolearic vibes. This tidy 7" single offers up a taster of that set in the shape of album highlight "Hagefest", a decidedly spaced-out afro-reggae affair rich in reverb laden vocals, clipped guitars and off-kilter drums. Leoparden brilliantly strips things back on the flipside "Version", which layers dubbed-out snippets of vocal, guitar and synth over a beefed up version of the eccentric rhythm track.

Review: Summer is here and there are few finer musical companions than this steamy 7" from Scandinavian soundsmiths the Lyskestrekk crew. Leoparden steps up for this one with an inimitable sense of coy funk, bubbly pop, bendy synth colour and deep and lazy groove. "Hoyt Oppe" simmers with a late night r&b charm that is all romantic and intimate with squidgy bass. On the flip, "Lope Bass" goes for a retro tinged 70s vibe with subtle acoustic riffs and a sexy strut all getting you in the mood. Once the astral led synth breaks out of the mix, the journey really takes off and boogie infects your bones.