Imagine being in a relationship with someone for almost two decades, as well as being in band together, and then deciding to end the relationship but continuing on as a band. How would that affect the writing and recording processes, let alone touring?
If you’re Remington Super 60, and if you’re songerwriter / producer Christoffer Schou and singer Elisabeth Thorsen, you realize that the end of a relationship doesn’t have to mean the end of a friendship or an artistic collaboration, and, along with Magnus Abelsen, you make a fine EP like Nouvelle Nouveau.
Perky, poppy “Talk with You” instantly makes you feel warm and nostalgic for quiet European cafes and mellow afternoons with your lover. The EP is full of references to Schou and Thorsen’s break-up, of course, and the first track alone has lyrics like “All I want is to get close to you so I can talk with you.”, but the EP isn’t gloomy. It’s too bright to be a downer.
The Cure-like bass and guitar on “I Won’t Change My Mind” backs up Thorsen singing, “I don’t know what I can do to make this easy for you…I tried to tell you, but you never understand, but it’s too late now.” The song is a sad tale, but one of shared grief. Both she and Schou know they have to move on from what they had and both know that being okay with it is far better than being spiteful or bitter. “All I Want” has a neat acoustic guitar sound that seems to blend country and psychedelic folk.
Electo-lounge keyboards (vintage ones, no doubt, as Schou loves using and collecting them) start “Still Near,” with Thorsen claiming, “I don’t want to see you again. It hurts when you’re around.” and “I just want to disappear even though you’re still near.” “See This Through” has a bit of a bossa nova flair to it with Schou and Abelsen’s synths and beats and Thorsen’s vocals that are somehow sad and upbeat at the same time. I don’t know how she does it.
“Misconception” has Thorsen tells us (and, let’s face it, Schou) that she doesn’t need saving. Schou and Abelsen’s synth work on it is great, mixing synthwave with dance-pop grooves. Believe it or not, “All Alone” was written many years ago, long before Schou and Thorsen’s break-up. Schou sings lead vocals on it, and one can’t help but marvel at its predictive nature. The acoustic guitar and hand percussion on the track mix well together, and it’s a dreamy send-off.
I don’t know if Remington Super 60 will continue to make music together, but Nouvelle Nouveau is a good sign that they can still create lovely, dreamy art and embrace change. The world would be a better place if we could all have that presence of mind.
Keep your mind open.
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[Thanks to Christoffer Schou.]
