Search - Koop :: Koop Islands

Nu Jazz which sounds good.

sellnotsell | new york | 11/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Koop Islands" is the third album from Stockholm duo Koop and is a journey through reminiscent jazz styling with an exotic twist.

Where "altz For Koop" was steeped in a modern - and modernist - take on 60s jazz and swedish songstressess from the time (Monica Zetterlunds name was mentioned more times than the group thought was fair), "Koop Islands" has - despite its name - very little to do with romanticising the Stockholm archipelago. Rather, it goes much, much further south west, all the way down the caribbean for inspiration. That's where you'll find "Koop Islands" on their imaginary world map.

Oscar Simonsson and Magnus Zingmark bring experiences from their travels in the Caribbean to create this unique blend. The guest vocalists on the album are a gift adding graceful tones to the album.

The first track "Koop island blues" features the vocals of Norwegian singer songwriter Ane Brun, who also co wrote the song. Her breathy vocals add to the swing drum rhythm and clarinet glissandos to create a cool ambience.

Similarly, the tracks "Forces" and "Darling" featuring the vocals of Earl Zinger are like a cheeky swing set of the 1930's that simply compels you to tap your foot.

One of the two instrumental tracks on the album is "Moonbounce", a song that maintains your attention for the three minutes with tinkling piano keys, jazz flute and beatnik bongo rhythms.

Perhaps the coolest song on the album is "Beyond the son" which again features Earl Zinger performing spoken word on top of jazz accompaniment. You feel as though you are invading his personal thoughts, his confessions with the walking vibraphone.

A deliciously classy slice of jazz fuelled pop,"Come To Me", the first single is another glorious treat for the ears.

Unashamedly old fashioned,this track sounds as if its been beamed in from some 1950s parallel dimension; an all swinging, all dancing affair complete with sultry female vocals, waltz time drum brushes, strutting bass lines and what sounds like Glenn Miller resurrected blasting out the big band brass interjections with superb style.

The album is a refreshing change from the typical electro sounds that feature driving beats and house riffs, bringing some much needed Caribbean sunshine to these cold winter months."

Brilliant and relaxing

Robert Murphy | 11/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard Koop on Radio Paradise (via iTunes), where the first two cuts from Koop Islands are in rotation. This album is kind of '40s swing with an occasional Caribbean spin and some very modern lyrics. Since getting this, I've bought Koop's other two albums, and also sent this album to my 78-year-old uncle for his birthday. And I deeply regret missing Koop when they played recently at Bimbo's 360 in San Francisco; I just hope I can catch them live soon."

An absolute gem!

Ron Ron | Chicago, IL | 10/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Koop islands is a magnificent CD. It is more jazzy than their first offering which is fine by me. There are several standouts on this recording such as "Wherever there is you", "I see a different you" and "Let's Elope". The other songs are good as well, but those three are classics. As I said earlier, the CD is more jazzy than the first one, but if you liked the first one, you should love this one as well. As usual, Koop puts their magnificent touch on another effort! I just wish they came out with new music more often."