Icelandic trio ex.girls return to bbbbbb recors for their debut LP ‘Verk’.
The project consists of three: frontman Tatjana Dís on vocals, alongside Guðlaugur Einarsson and Gylfi Sigurðsson. Their kinship took root at their erstwhile studio on Skúlagata in Reykjavík, where this creative sanctum became a melting pot of musical exploration, learning, and leisurely hangouts. Guðlaugur and Tantjana also ride the waves as members of the rock band Skrattar, whose album 'Hellraiser IV' saw Bjarki's experimental bbbbbb recors imprint venture outside strictly electronic music for the first time in 2021.
Despite their penchant for maintaining an enigmatic aura, ex.girls won the ‘Best Icelandic Electronic Music Song’ in 2022 with their anthem, 'Halda Áfram', released during the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic on bbbbbb recors, which translates to “keep on going”, became a beacon of hope during tough times in the Icelandic music scene. Their distinctive sound palette paints with broad strokes of lush arrangements cemented with a lo-fi disposition. It's a soundscape where the rumble of a crunchy bass meets a quirky sprinkle of Nordic humour, a signature style they fondly dub as 'SauerLounge'.
While the group has traditionally embraced a leisurely cadence in unveiling new music, anticipation bubbles as they gear up to their debut album, ‘Verk’. A twelve-track exploration of experimental, conceptual and unorthodox textures and sonics, with sounds and influences spanning rock and nu-wave through to electro, drone and ambient. The result? An absorbing and hypnotic trip, with twists and turns across every track, presenting a debut album that keeps you guessing minute by minute.
To be released in both vinyl and digital formats, the album will also welcome engaging remixes from artists native to Iceland and the broader global stage. In a world of ever-evolving music, ex.girls stand out as a testament to authentic collaboration, raw talent, and the art of electronic storytelling.
ex.girls ‘Verk’ LP drops via bbbbbb recors on 17th November 2023
credits
released November 17, 2023
1. Æð
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal & Tatjana Dís Aldísar
co-produced by Guðmundur Arnalds
2. 90 oktan
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal & Gylfi Sigurðsson
Lyrics by Gylfi Sigurðsson
co-produced by Guðmundur Arnalds
3. Bensín
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal & Gylfi Sigurðsson
4. Hundrað í hættunni
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal & Tatjana Dís Aldísar
Lyrics by Tatjana Dís Aldísar
5. Seinni æð
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal
co-produced by Guðmundur Arnalds
6. Vont er það venst
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal, Gylfi Sigurðsson, Kári Guðmundsson & Tatjana Dís Aldísar
Lyrics by Tatjana Dís Aldísar
7. Manneskja
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal & Tatjana Dís Aldísar
Lyrics by Tatjana Dís Aldísar
8. Drepa mann
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal & Gylfi Sigurðsson
Lyrics by Gylfi Sigurðsson
9. Er það þrek?
music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal & Tatjana Dís Aldísar lyrics by Tatjana Dís Aldísar
co-produced by Guðmundur Arnalds
10. Innri Ytri
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal & Tatjana Dís Aldísar Lyrics by Tatjana Dís Aldísar
co-produced by Guðmundur Arnalds
11. Halda áfram
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal, Gylfi Sigurðsson & Tatjana Dís Aldísar Lyrics by Tatjana Dís Aldísar
co-produced by Guðmundur Arnalds
12. Svínadalur
Music by Guðlaugur Hörðdal
All tracks except Hundrað í hættunni, Drepa mann & Halda áfram* mixed by ex.girls & Guðmundur Arnalds
* mixed by ex.girls
Final mix by Guðmundur Arnalds
This Chicago quintet use classical and contemporary instrumentation to craft this beautifully contemplative ambient release. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 2, 2023