Review by Emily Castles
Upon entering the Boston Music Room in Tufnell Park this Saturday night, it is not immediately obvious that we are all in for a night of 80s rave music and cult-ish rock n’ roll. There are only a handful of people standing in the modest yet iconic Victorian building, despite the first act starting in just a few minutes. Perhaps the miserable November weather has put some people off, or perhaps the London-audience just isn’t that familiar with Norwegian noise-rock – whatever the reason, it’s a surprising turnout.
Despite this, the venue is soon bursting with the sound of synth-pop wizz Karin Park. One half of tonight’s headline act. Karin is a positive force to be reckoned with in her own right. With several solo albums, countless collaborations and even a stint in Les Miserables in Oslo, she is a captivating and versatile artist.
Tonight she takes to the stage in an Arabrot-branded tracksuit, oversized hoop earrings and a pixie cut – positioning herself in between the various decks, mixers, and turntables. ‘Tonight, I’ll have you under my spell’ she announces devilishly. For the next hour, Karin treats us to a night of 80s synth and haunting vocals – grooving around the stage in her own world. ‘This is your last chance to rave, from here on out, it’s all rock n’ roll’ – she announces, throwing her hands up above her head, closing her eyes.
She is followed onto the Boston Music Room stage by Kentucky-based Jaye Jayle. Perhaps it was the busted amp causing problems, but the set feels slightly underwhelming following Karin’s high-powered opening. This is a great acoustic set, alluding to a bluesy old-American sound reminiscent of Johnny Cash. However, it feels odd to wedge in between Karin and the headliner – and perhaps would have worked better as an opener to ease us in.
By the end of Jaye Jayle’s set, the room is still less than half full. Despite this, there is something special brewing backstage, something distinctly Norwegian. Karin has had a costume change, now in a cult-esque white gown and a black harness over her torso. She is joined by her husband, creative-partner and Arabrot mastermind Kjetil Nernes – also dressed in his trademark white suit and oversized hat. Together, they look like leaders of a religious commune which is likely to kill you in your sleep.
Arabrot are a fascinating band, their sound and lyrics build around this unsettling concept – Nernes explaining that we’ve been invited to join them in their Faith. Often described as a ‘noise-rock’ band, Arabrot are truly a band that defy genre, led by an unrelenting dedication to storytelling – particularly evident in songs such as ‘Sinnerman’ and their brilliant new single ‘We want blood’ – with Nernes perched on the edge of the stage, illuminated by a harsh spotlight, preaching his demented message.
Their latest album Of Darkness and Light was released recently, and several tracks feature tonight – all featuring heavy riffs and the most harrowing of vocals. Park and Nernes’ joint vocal onslaught is what makes the band truly shine. Concluding with ‘Hailstones for Rain’, “Tall Man” Nernes and Karin “Dark Diva” Park leave us with the distinct feeling that we have been recruited into their wonderfully bonkers family. And no one is mad about it.
