Next Wave #652: LISS

Frozen Nordic soul with just a touch of electronics...

"This is our first interview, it's really strange," says 19- year-old frontman Søren Holm, speaking to Clash on the phone from the band's writing house out in the country. At his side are Vilhelm Strange, Villads Tyrrestrup, Tobias Hansen – who make up the rest of Nordic soul band LISS.

Like many Danes their age, the band have just finished school, and are enjoying that blissful feeling of not having to go back in August for the first time. However, LISS, who originate from the city Aarhus, aren't usual by any means, having just released one of the most enthralling debut cuts of the year so far in 'Try', which is released physically October 2nd by Danish indie label Escho.

"We don't really try and sound like anyone. We just listen to so much great music and our music is really hard to describe; we just experiment with a lot of sounds and we don't want to put a label on it," explains Holm. Their ability to distance themselves from pastiche and edge toward claiming an original sound isn't misguided. Holm's warbly soulful voice is a unique fixture, and influences within the band range from Björk, Prince and Arthur Russell, to Motown and funk. Such eclecticism doesn't sound convoluted either. The Conan Mockasin-esque guitars, glitchy samples, and live drums work impeccably well with Holm's vocals.

Collaborating with Rodaidh McDonald, who also produced The xx and King Krule, has also brought the best out of LISS. "He asked to work with us after seeing one of our gigs and he co-produced 'Try' with Vera who plays the MPC at our live shows. They were just better takes, and the drums were done live so it's a better overall sound than the demo," admits Holm. The result shows a no half-measure approach that will inevitably lead to success for them.

Yet the band only formed in January, and before 'Try' was released last week they were a relative unknown commodity, with a few trendy support slots under their belt. "Jungle was our first gig," says Strange (guitar) referring to a show they did in March. Support slots for East India Youth and Dean Blunt are further notches in their belt.

LISS are eager to go beyond the confines of their country. "We've only ever played shows in Denmark, and we'd like to be travelling the world" says Holm. The band have taken the decision to not go to University immediately. They want to pursue music and the prospect of them gaining as much recognition as label mates, Iceage, isn't a far-fetched reality.

A down to earth outfit, the four-piece are focused on writing for their debut album at their country getaway for the time being. "We don't get bored here. We go fishing and swimming and the weather's great. And having a deadline to make music means we do write," Strange reveals, with a sense of eagerness and enthusiasm that permeates the band's music and humble personalities.

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WHAT: Neo-soul
WHERE: Aarhus, Denmark
GET 3 SONGS: Listen to 'Try' three times, you won't get bored.

FACT: Contrary to popular conception, they're not 18. They're 19 and guitarist Vilhelm Strange is 20.

Words: Cai Trefor

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