Frost, Aggie: Perlemor

Although I don’t catch all their releases, in recent times it’s been pretty clear to hear Apollon Records sideways slide into a world that’s maybe much more pop oriented than I would have expected a few years back. Perlemor (which translates to Mother of Pearl) from Norwegian ‘electro-pop pioneer’ Aggie Frost continues that journey, this album possessing an austere shimmering pop like quality that’s hugely embellished by the voice of the lady who wrote, recorded and produced all of its contents.

Debuted at the Arctic Arts Festival 2022, Perlemor was initially released in digital format in the May of that year before being delivered on physical formats almost exactly a year later. Opening with the short introductory “Aurora Lily� the experience begins proper on “Tentakler� where gentle electronic beats are used as the base from which a fragile but strong melodic sense springs forth. Always restrained and controlled, the main feature of nearly all of the tracks presented is a sprawling undercurrent that allows Aggie’s heartfelt vocals to really sit front and centre.

All nine vocal tracks are linked in terms of theme by telling the tale of women who have choices and opportunities but who instead choose to be constrained and cowed by society into an over analysis of perfectionism and self introspection. With the lyrics all being in Norwegian I haven’t been able to regale myself with the deeper inner meanings revealed therein, but if they are constructed with the same passion as Aggie sings them, then they must be something special.

For me, however, that’s really the crux of things on Perlemor, Aggie Frost’s talents clear to hear but the overall experience being just a little too one dimensional and restrained to get my juices flowing. That said, fans of the likes of Bel Canto, Kari Bremnes or even Goldfrapp may well find much more to immerse themselves in. Ultimately, for this reviewer, this album is one to be admired rather than loved, because there’s no denying the class and skill behind it, but that’s not to say that I can see myself drawn back into its world on a regular basis.

Track Listing
1. Aurora Lily
2. Tentakler
3. Bolge
4. Gir Dae Min Morra
5. Stille
6. Nattebyen
7. Melodi
8. Film
9. Tidlos
10. Knokla

Added: October 14th 2023
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Aggie Frost @ bandcamp
Hits: 156
Language: english

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