Lukestar :: Lake Toba [who knew Norway was so emo?]

Sounds Like: the farther north you go the more constricted your voice becomes; Santa sings in the boys' choir.

RIYL: Pedro the Lion, The Thrills, Band of Horses, rearranging the furniture because it's Tuesday

Personal Response: While Norwegian band Lukestar is not breaking any ground, they're far from tired. Within the signature pop staccato riffs and big chords there lies comfort in the familiar. Honest and unrepetitive (so long as you don't count refrains as repetitions), Lake Toba belongs on the playlist for your next indie/emo dance party--just be careful trying to sing along. Front-man Truls's vocals take falsetto to new heights, which is tricky for me because I'm a guy who likes to sing along (although recently I've been relegated to drum solos and spoken word while everyone else rocks out to The Darkness . . . bastards). Lukestar is touring the US in the Spring, and will also be at SXSW.

Be sure to hop over to Duck & Cover Video to see what happens with Lukestar wakes up in an empty field. It's exactly what you think would happen--they jam!

Band :: Lukestar

Album :: Lake Toba

Song :: White Shade

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