Puzzler, by Hilma Nikolaisen

Puzzler

by Hilma Nikolaisen

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1.	Hermitage 04:06	buy track
2.	Two Three Four Five 03:29	buy track
3.	On and On and On 04:28	buy track
4.	Word 03:11	buy track
5.	Dubious Dubious 03:06	buy track
6.	Cloud Nine Rewind 04:17	buy track
7.	Puzzler 03:19	buy track
8.	Home Straight Sorries 03:07	buy track
9.	Swings and Roundabouts 04:09	buy track
10.	Brighter Soon 04:12	buy track

about

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bit.ly/HilmaPuzzler

Hilma Nikolaisen is known for her role as bass player in her brother Emil’s internationally acclaimed psychedelic noisepop outfit SerenaManeesh (4AD) – one of the most influential Norwegian bands of the last decade. Not only did she contribute significantly to the expression of Emil’s musical vision, her valkyric stage presence also made her an iconic part of the band’s visual identity. Comparisons to Nico were frequently drawn.

Hilma Nikolaisen’s sound and lyrics set out to honour and celebrate the diversity and complexity of what it means to be human. In our times, simplicity is put on a pedestal and worshipped, but through her music, Hilma Nikolaisen points out that human nature is intrinsically chaotic and eclectic and should be celebrated as such! The idea of myriads of pieces that come together in a larger, complex puzzle is the unifying theme of the album. Written over a long period of time, the nine tracks of Puzzler reach from classic pop (traditions) on tracks like Cloud Nine Rewind and Home Straight Sorries, through the soulful funk of On and On and On, to a more rough edged postpunk nerve present in the first single Word.

All of Hilma’s experience and musical background has gone into this album. An upbringing filled with music and spirituality on the sturdy Norwegian west coast has made its mark in the peculiar melodic modes, her years in punk bands left an urgent pulse, and last but not least, the years in Serena Maneesh have added the high level of ambition and sense of details. All of this gives the album an edge of refinement and chaos all at once, rounded out by a unique, androgynous voice.

Puzzler is recorded together with Mads Johansen at Folkets Hus Lilleaker and Hilma’s brother Emil Nikolaisen at Malabar studio in Oslo. Besides doing the songwriting and arrangements, Hilma has produced the album herself and gathered the long list of great people that has contributed with mixing on the different tracks: Ådne Meisfjord (120 days), Marcus Forsgren (Lionheart Brothers, Bror Forsgren),Jay Andrews, Aaron Lex Leckenby, Nick Terry og Peter Holmström (Dandy Warhols). Contributing musicians on this record are Hilma’s more or less steady band: Egil Arntzen, Andreas Frøland, Kristofer Staxrud and a long list of guests. The cover is photographed by Julia Naglestad, with graphic design by Peder Bernhardt and an excerpt by Vanessa Baird on the innersleeve.

credits

released December 2, 2016

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Hilma Nikolaisen Oslo, Norway

shows

Jul 18

Fjellparkfestivalen

Flekkefjord, Norway

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