Clever media types hailed Norwegian duo Kings of Convenience as part of a so called acoustic revolution when their excellent debut Quiet Is The New Loud was released in the summer of 2001. 

The same media types were left with egg on their faces when Turin Brakes were the only other band to follow the Kings acoustic approach.  Sadly for the Kings, substantial touring saw Turin Brakes become the far more successful of the two and Quiet is the New Loud, with its gorgeously laid back retro melodies, became more of an underground record and secret pleasure for those in the know.

In the years following their debut the duo went their separate ways, singer Erlend Oye recording Unrest, a rather self indulgent and dance influenced solo album, and DJ’ing around Europe.  His musical partner Eirik on the other hand returned to Bergen to complete his psychology degree.  As the press release says though, some things are meant to be and Erlend eventually returned to Bergen to work on a new Kings record.

‘Misread’ is the first song to be taken from their second (and again cleverly titled) album Riot On An Empty Street and is released on 7” and download only.  It’s also a great tune and from the opening bars you feel as if you’re welcoming back a long lost friend.  Subdued piano hooks you into a delicate acoustic riff, strings slip in and out, toying with your emotions, and Erlend lends his laid-back vocals to complete the bargain.  His voice is the smoothest and most reassuring you’re ever likely to hear, the vocal equivalent of melted chocolate.  It’s perfect for an acoustic band and one of reasons the Kings are as brilliant as they are. 

‘Misread’ is tantalising and shows that in the time they’ve been away the Kings have honed their sound.  This is warmer and more affecting than anything on their previous album and is the perfect soundtrack to those long summer nights.  Let’s hope that the new album is just as good. 

(4/5)

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