Rolling Norwegian Electro Thread

Just because there are so many different threads that might as well be collected into one. It seems, for once, Norway is in the forefront, when it comes to great electro pop. Of course there's Annie (from Norway...), but here are some other examples of great electro worth checking out:

Bertine Zetlitz

Inside Norway, she is the most established of the electro acts. Bertine Zetlitz obtained an electro style on her third album, "Sweet Injections", released back in 2003. After that she has released two more great albums, but while "Injections" was a cooperation with Richard X, she has worked with Fred Ball/Pleasure on the two most recent ones. For music examples, check out her music at http://www.myspace.com/bertineofficial

Pleasure

Bertine Zetlitz' producer stands on his own two feet and has established himself as some kind of name on the UK scene already. His albums feature guest vocals from the likes of Justine Frischman, Cerys Matthews and Brett Anderson. He has also producer the latter's new solo album, although his presence is sadly not as obvious on that album that one might wish for. Pleasure's own albums are great though, particularly this year's "Pleasure 2". Check out his music at http://www.myspace.com/pleasuremusic/ and particularly the great "Uptown" plus "Back To You" which feature Brett Anderson's vocals and is way better than anything on his solo album.

Margaret Berger

Margaret Berger participated in the 2004 Norwegian Pop Idol, where she ended up as the runnerup, only beaten by Kjartan Salvesen. Although while Salvesten is long gone, Berger has proved herself capable of delivering quality pop way better than most Idol acts are able to.
After a debut album sounding a bit like a cross-in-between Cardigans and Sugababes, last year's "Pretty Scary Silver Fairy" went fully fledged electro, spawning to great hit singles in "Samantha" and "Will You Remember Me". Check out her music at http://www.myspace.com/bergermagaret

Frost

Frost has released three albums since 1998, the last two of which feature quite a lot of her boyfriend Per Martinsen, who has also released several techno albums under the Mental Overdrive monicker. Given Martinsen's 90s electro background, it is no surprise the music of Frost contains a bit more of a house/techno influence than the other acts, but there's also a huge bit of good old-fashioned 80s influenced electro in there. Check out her music at: http://www.myspace.com/frostnorway

Anneli Drecker

Anneli Drecker is probably more famous as the ex-singer of Bel Canto, who released some critically acclaimed albums in the 80s and 90s. Already by then they had a very obvious electronic element, particularly on the first two albums released before Geir Jenssen left to become Biosphere. On her own, Drecker has released two solo albums, the last of which, "Frolic" sees her going fully electro. Check out her music at www.myspace.com/annelidrecker

Another established singer to go electro, at least for one album, was Erlend Øye, the singer from Kings Of Convenience. While Kings Of Convenience are famous for their all-acoustic style, Øye went a completely different way when in 2004 he released a solo album consisting of collaborations with various electronica acts from all over the world. It is particularly the collaborations with American electro names such as Soviet and Morgan Geist that should attract the attention of electro fans. Check out his music (particularly "Ghost Trains") at www.myspace.com/erlendoyeplease

Flunk

Flunk is a more unknown band who has still managed to release three records by now. The most distinctive thing about their music may be vocalist Anja, who's Björk-style vocals give the band a strong identity. Singer Anja has also done some stuff on her own, which is still not released on CD but very much evident on the Net, where she became act of the year in 2004 in the Norwegian radio program Urørt, which ranks music from up-and-coming acts. While Flunk's music may at times feature a rather extensive bit of guitars, Anja is more fully fledged electro. Check out Flunk at http://myspace.com/flunktheband and Anja at www.myspace.com/anjavister

[b]Töyen Airport

Another act to have done well at Urørt is Tøyen Airport, whose debut album is supposed to be released this year. While less known than the rest, IMO this is one of the hottest names of them all and they have also attracted quite some attention outside the Norwegian borders. So watch out for Tøyen Airport and check out their music at www.myspace.com/toyenairport