Benedikt‘s new song and album are enrapturing. The once solo project of Norway’s Hans Olav Settem turned nine-piece indie orchestra has found a dreamy home somewhere between pop and folk with flourishing arrangements, a touch of darkness, and a sentimental core. On their sophomore album, Balcony Dream, the group dig a little deeper into the realities of life amongst curious production that brings their nostalgic tales to life with modernity.
A graceful tune that ruminates in delicate intimacy, “Strawberries” is one of our favorite tracks from the album. Its pairing of tenderness with frankness is consistently charming. Lyrically exploring change from the point of view person watching it happen in someone else, the vocal melody and gentle, harmonized backing vocals quietly capture a mix of isolation and wonder. The progression of the track is patient but purposeful until it hits the big highs of the dramatic bridge. Piercing strings, frantic strums, and thunderous percussion push forward an anthemic energy in stark contrast to the rest of the tune. “Strawberries” has just the right amount of unexpected arrangement twists and turns to feel fresh and exciting on every listen.
Balcony Dream is out now on Koke Plate. Listen to all of it below. Read our review of another track on the album, “Old Friends,” here.
