The Kings of Convenience might hail from Norway, but vicious and violent Vikings these lads are certainly not. This sterling duo makes serene, electro-acoustic music that soothes troubled emotions and eases the tension of even the most stressed-out parietal lobes. For their third LP, Declaration of Dependence, the Nordic bandmates (Eirik Boe and Erlend Oye) delve even deeper into their signature niche and create an LP loaded with yearning, idyllic pursuits and sublime lyricism & instrumentation.

“What we do together is very important for us,” Erlend says. “When you’re in your 30s, you want to make decisions that are set in stone. You want to accept how – and who – you are.”

The highlights on the new LP are plentiful, and as you get into your first listen, the repeat button quickly becomes your best friend. “Me In You” has latent, lascivious come-ons that lingers for three minutes or so with a simmering yet pretension-free sexual energy. “The Boat Behind” boasts beautiful string sections that evoke unending yacht trips into scenic Mediterranean horizons. The chorus on this song, “I can never belong to you,” adds a layer of dreamy melancholy that really proves the supreme song-writing prowess of Eirik and Erlend.

“Renegade” is another song on the LP buoyed by exemplary, heartfelt couplets that Coldplay’s Chris Martin would trade his young children for. Eirik jokes that they’ve created an album consisting of alternating “serious ideas” and “hi-brow Bossa Nova.” His partner in rhythm Erlend adds, “we’ve just made the most rhythmical record ever that features no percussion or drums.”

Over a fleeting collection of 13 cuts that totally capture and titillate the listener’s imagination, the Kings of Convenience prove a mastery of song-crafting and melodic artistry that you just don’t see too much of these days. In the world of these Nordic kings, independence and mindless exploration are outdated notions; instead, delving deeper into the things we take for granted each day is where the real secret lies.

The Kings’ new album “Delaration of Dependence” drops October 20^th 2009 on Astralwerks records.

Words by Geo Hagan, photos by Ase Holte

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