Kings of Convenience
If you are looking for a band that incorporates folk pop with delectable vocals in the mellowest ways possible, look no more! Kings of Convenience is a duo from Norway that creates what I believe to be the purest, most perfect contemporary folk pop music ever. The band consists of Erlend Oye and Eirik Glambek Boe—and I swear the image (and the moves) of Napoleon Dynamite was adapted from Erlend Oye (check out the video for “I’d Rather Dance With You”).
The Kings are the epitome of mellow. They’ve got mellow vocals, mellow instrumentation, and yeah—even mellow sex appeal. If you like Feist, I’m pretty sure you will like the Kings (in fact, Feist collaborated with the Kings on their 2004 album, Riot on an Empty Street). You’ll find the Kings mostly use guitar and piano melodies, interesting bass (often upright) riffs, soft percussions and other accompanying instruments (such as violins and trumpets). Don’t let the “folk pop” label throw you off. They’re kind of like Belle & Sebastian without the rock, and Simon & Garfunkel without “Scarborough Fair” and “The Sound of Silence”. The Kings blend [acoustic] guitar jazz and folk together to fulfill some simple, yet intensely emotional tunes.
I have been dying for a new Kings album since 2004; apparently it’s in the works but not in the works at the same time. Such logic only suitable (and acceptable) for the Kings. Hopefully they’ll start another world tour soon. They’re a rare band not to be missed! Check out some of my favourite songs by the Kings of Convenience:
Kings of Convenience – Toxic Girl (Quiet is the New Loud, 2001)
Kings of Convenience – Little Kids (Quiet is the New Loud, 2001)
Kings of Convenience – Know How feat. Feist (Riot on an Empty Street, 2004)
Kings of Convenience – I’d Rather Dance With You (Riot on an Empty Street. 2004)
Check them out on Amazon
Or Insound
…or CD Universe
)
The track with feist is absolutely awesome!! Best pop ever seen!!