album of the week: 11.2

Kings of Convenience

Declaration of Dependance

EMI (2009)

why you'll love it: somber and honest pop songs

why you'll hate it: too quiet, singles steal the show

"So we meet again, after several years. Several years, of separation."

It's been half of a decade since the last Kings of Connivence album. It's great to have them back! Sure, Erlend Øye has given us a fantastic Whitest Boy Alive album earlier this year; but his collaboration with Eirik Glambek Bøe is something special. Their songs are charming without being gimmicky, and romantic without being hammy.

So here is your update: they haven't changed a bit. It's still two dudes with acoustic guitars with a minimalist backing band mellowing out. If you're still not into that, this won't win you over. If you are, you should love this album just like the rest. It may be partly due to the absence, but their songs are still fresh today, and haven't slipped in quality. There are a few songs in the second half of the album that don't live up to the first, but there is still a good half hour of solid tunes on this album.

Just a fair warning to those with ADD - Don't be fooled by the two singles on youtube "Mrs. Cold" and "Boat Behind". Those are the two most exciting (if that word can even be used here) songs on the album. They're fantastic songs, but don't represent the levels of sobriety the rest of the album reaches. Just play it nice and loud so you can soak in all those amazing quiet moments.