Alternative pop is thriving on the Danish music scene with new branches blooming in the underground; an environment where lo-fi reigns and trembling intensity is a key component.
The ensemble Loa & Koan is Loa Esaias (vocals), Maria Jagd (violin) and Sebastian Vinther Olsen (instruments, production).
The fruits of their labour have manifested into an original expression with a fusion between the spontaneous intimacy that characterizes ”bedroom recordings” and a wider, sophisticated production finesse. A rendezvous between lo-fi and pop, if you will. This is equally reflected in the fact that you can hear reminiscences of both Daniel Johnston and Sparklehorse, as well as Rihanna and Bon Iver in Loa & Koan's peculiar and compelling sound, that vividly showcase the trio's strong sense of moods and atmosphere.
The band's debut single 'J.P. and the End of the World' is an exquisite introduction to what Loa & Koan do and what they do so remarkebly well. The song is based on a slow-paced dusty beat that evolves and magnifies with a shimmering keyboard hook, which is furthermore enhanced with beautiful strings and Loa's unique vocals on top of the diverse and nuanced expression.
The band comment on the song:
»This is a modern blues about modern man's obsession with the struggle between good and evil. Ain't it interesting how people always conclude that they themselves are basically on the good side? In 2020 there seems to be so many stories and preachers to choose from for those who wish to think: "now I'm the good one, now I'm Harry Potter, and this is the last big battle!". Well, in this little song Harry Potter himself realizes that the fight is fixed and decides to resign as hero.«
lyrics
Here comes again a clenching of the fist;
A hardening of the heart in an attempt to resist
A hard swallowed truth that goes something like this:
”If it talks like evil it probably is
If it talks like wisdom it probably isn’t”
So I asked Jordan Peterson
How lonely does it get?
Jordan Peterson came back with an answer in less than a minute
Now I cleaned my room and I made my bed
But Jordan Peterson I still feel pretty fucking dead
And that’s alright now Jordan Peterson
I did just fine
I’ve got my woman now
I’ve got time
Ain’t no need to apologize
I’m absolutely allowed to slide into that good old night
Yeah the final battle is coming to town now, boys, haven’t you heard?
With guns that big it’s only a matter of who’s gonna shoot who first
Well I just wanna sit here with my girl
And forget about Harry Potter and the end of the world
And I’ve been dreaming about gold
I’ve been thinking about ISIS
I’ve been looking for Buddha
and the worlds biggest asses
But my eight inch wand won’t save me now
When you know who and friends are coming around
And that’s alright now Jordan Peterson
We did just fine
You’ve got your phoenix now
I’ve got mine
Ain’t no need to apologize
We’re absolutely allowed to slide into that good old night
credits
released February 19, 2021
Lyrics & Music by Loa Esaias
Arrangement by Maria Jagd
Loa & Koan is:
Sebastian Vinther Olsen - bass, guitar, keys, perc., programming
Maria Jagd - Violin, bratsch
Loa Esaias - vocals
Produced by Sebastian Vinther Olsen
Mixed by Sebastian Vinther Olsen
Mastered by Brian Mørk Hansen
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