Stein Urheim

The Norwegian duo of Jørgen Træen and Stein Urheim return with “Entrance/Exit,” the first offering from their forthcoming album, Galant Galakse. The track is meticulously constructed, and, in under three minutes, they manage to playfully and patiently craft a soundscape that feels both ancient and from a distant future. It’s a compelling first taste and a testament to their shared experimental vision.

The abiding characteristic of Speilstillevariasjoner is its sense of wholeness. This is music that constantly has its eyes wide open, both in wonder and in anticipation of the next new and interesting path. Stein Urheim has again proved himself to be Norway’s premier musical explorer.

Downhill Uplift is the sort of album that will sound different every time you listen to it, and while it takes inspiration from a cluster of well-worn genres, the way those genres are meshed together seems entirely novel. The work of an extremely proficient musician and his band.