New album from Norwegian avant-pop outfit Pom Poko is an alluring thrill. Vocalist Ragnhild Fangel Jamtveit straddles the line between cutesy and dark avantgarde in a way undeniably akin to Deerhoof’s Satomi Matsuzaki.
“Like a Lady” and “Baroque Denial” are playful ditties steeped in rich melody, while “Look” and “Body Level” give us an artsy fragmentation; ever evolving and progressing. But it’s the sporadic muscular rock riffage, over which Ragnhild purrs in falsetto, that creates the enticing dichotomy. This is what sets them apart from other avant-pop bands. Definitely worth a listen. Let us know what you think.
