Lately I have been playing the most recent EP "Napoleon Sweetheart" by Denmark trio "Northern Portrait" almost every opportunity I can. Due to it's short length (4 songs totaling roughly 15 minutes of play) this EP is an easy choice for a quick listen on a short streetcar or subway trip.
Formed in Copenhagen only two years ago, the trio found itself gathering some buzz online via their MySpace page and started to field offers from major and Indie labels alike. Fronted by vocalist Stefan Larson, Northern Portrait draws many a comparison to Indie legends "The Smiths." Through Johnny Marr-like reverb soaked guitars, and almost eerie Morrissey-like vocals, I can not dismiss the comparison.
The opening track "I give you two seconds to entertain me" jangles and sways in perfect pop form and sets the tone for the rest of the EP in 3+ minutes of pop bliss. The title of the track itself almost sounds as if it were a lyric written and sang by the king of self doubt himself. Although comparisons between Morrissey and Larson are merited, Larson's delivery seems much more hope filled and optimistic. It almost plays out like what the Smiths would have sounded like if they figured everything out, put aside their dramatic views of the world, each other, and enjoyed life.
Congrats to all the winners.
(Edit*** Murphy read the blog and threatened to eat himself into a coma if I didn't make reference to the fact that this band was offered up on his recommendation. So Murph, there you have it.)
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