Northern Portrait - Criminal Art Lovers
Andrew Vice | Plano, TX | 01/19/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The simplest way to describe Northern Portrait is in two words: the Smiths. If you don't hear the similarities, you either don't know the Smiths or need to get your ears checked. From the jangly guitars to the warbling vocals, this record has Morrissey and Marr written all over it. It's an excellent album and an even better debut, and I expect this to be one of the highly regarded debuts of the year. Stand out tracks include "The Munchhausen in Me," the title track, and "Return to Normal," though really, the album is stellar from start to finish. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up if you're at all a fan of the Smiths or indie pop."
Nice record to fill a niche of sound.
Chris Wren | Chicago, Illinois | 01/21/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This record is filled with a bunch of pop songs, through and through. Yes there is a heavy Smiths influence all over this record. And the guitars shimmer like a Birds album, finger picked for over thirty minutes. Don't let that fool you: this record is four guys from Denmark who really take the 80s pop aesthetic and make it work for them.
The results are apparent in almost every track on it. "The Munchhausen in Me" kicks off the record with an a pace that sets the stage for the rest of the album. The title track and "Crazy" could easily be confused for a pop single from almost any era. A personal favorite, if I can indulge, remains 'That's Where My Headaches Begin,' a song which changes its dynamics as the lyrics take you on the story. The last track could fool you for an arena rock anthem.
Very few young independent bands come out of nowhere writing this music this well. These guys are at about nine yards out of ten on their first try. They give the listener a the variety of songs and execute them well. Nab this one."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
