Bernhoft – Islander

Silver-tongued Norwegian singer Bernhoft has just released his third studio album, Islander. Devotees of Soul are most certainly in for a treat with this new release, which has an added contemporary twist. 

If you’re not familiar with Bernhoft and his music, be prepared for a clash of funky and eccentric tunes combined with slower and more soothing melodies. The artist’s voice is uniquely exquisite – and in this day and age, what a marvel that is to experience!

Noticeably extraordinary tracks on Islander may be few and far between, but they’re not completely indiscernible. Come Around With Me is catchy and affable, partly because of the 80s-style quality it gives free rein to. Don’t Let Me Go is another well-produced song and typical of the soul genre. Its slow-moving poignancy is appealing, but to be truthful there’s nothing inimitable about it – which is a great shame as Bernhoft does have a remarkable voice that is rather going to waste here.

Commendable, though, is Bernhoft’s aptitude for taking risks and experimenting with sounds. Esiwalk is a perfect example, as it uses the artist’s layered voice as its main instrument, in turn creating something quite unique.

Overall, and with the greatest admiration, Islander is not an album that will appeal to the masses, due to it’s peculiar awkwardness. Bernhoft is clearly a talented artist deserving of worldwide success, but this is unlikely to be the record that gets him there.

The editorial unit

Islander was released on 16^th May 2014. For further information or to order the album visit Bernhoft’s website here.

Watch the video for Come Around here: