Kings of Convenience

Once upon a time there was a fearless Nordic duo, who waged war on the world armed with only two soft voices and two acoustic guitars. Their names were Eirik Glambek Boe and Erlend Oye, and like their Viking ancestors they crossed continents to bring their songs of love, heartache and life to the world beyond. Soon strange tales began to filter out of an odd pair, who’d met at an inter-schools geography contest as children (which Erlend won by drawing a map of the world freehand from memory) that had later reunited in song, in a gloomy rock band that did Joy Division covers called Skog (Norwegian for Tree). Destiny however had other plans, and soon it was goodnight Skog and the Kings Of Convenience were born.



Following a trio of 7” singles on the cult label Telle Records (based in their hometown of Bergen, set at the foot of the fjords on Norway’s west Atlantic coast), the Kings signed with Source Records, released an E.P. recorded live in a room – entitled ‘live in a room’, which captivated many with its heartwarming charm. Then they set about creating a genre defining debut album with producer Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Badly Drawn Boy).

Entitled ‘Quiet Is The New Loud’, and released in early 2001, it was quickly adopted as their motto and they became flag-bearing artists for what the British music press had dubbed the “New Acoustic Movement”, which they transcended and outlasted thanks to their originality, personalities and most importantly of all - talent. They were also the leaders of Norway’s musical revival, which had sat in the doldrums post A-ha for a number of years, opening the door for other Bergen based artists such as Royksopp (whose multi-platinum debut album ‘Melody AM’ featured the voice of Erlend on ‘Poor Leno’ and ‘Remind Me’), Ralph Myerz + Jack Herren Band¸ Magnet and Sondre Lerche. Libra Radio will play today for you the music from the album RIOT ON AN EMPTY STREET. Find out more at their (website), try also (here) for the tour data and videos.