Skadedyr: Kongekrabbe

Skadedyr is a Norwegian democratic-anarchistic band comprised of 12 young and promising musicians, masterminded by tuba player Heiða Karine Jóhannesdóttir Mobeck and keyboards player Anja Lauvdal, both collaborated in the disbanded Your Headlights Are On. The 12 musicians offer unorthodox instrumental combinations— brass, guitars, vocal, two drummers, strings and accordion— and all are active on groups as the Moskus trio, as Lauvdal, Karokh and Lana Trio

Mobeck and Lauvdal compositions for Skadedyr (pests in Norwegian) debut album (king crab in Norwegian) were arranged jointly by the whole band, without notes, keeping the music and the diverse, versatile narratives of the musicians, open, fresh and and free from clichés. The album was recorded on a one day session in the studio with producer Andreas Mjøs from Jaga Jazzist.

Skadedyr music knows no limits and embraces eclectic and eccentric inspirations. It moves organically between psychedelic-space-rock trips, mainly on "Lakselus"; colorful, poetic images inspire by Robert Wyatt a songs; fearless sonic explorations, again on "Lakselus"; suggestive vocals and whispers; spiritual, shamanic improvisations à la {[Sun Ra Arkestra}}; exotic cinematic textures that sound as referencing Ryuichi Sakamoto soundtracks, especially on the title track, and even melancholic Nordic hymn on the coda of "Linselus/Due."" Still, surprisingly, Skadedyr sound coherent, melodic and tight. Its musicians flowing ideas sketch a broad, highly nuanced landscapes.

The post-modern universe of Skadedyr succeeds magically to melt into "Partylus" quotes and excerpts from early jazz-Fats Waller ("Your Feet's Too Big"), nuevo tango of Astor Piazollaa ("Café 1930"), Bob Dylan protest song ("Like a Rolling Stone"), electronic-dance clip from Prodigy ("I'm a Firestarter") and Icelandic traditional song. This wild ride is arranged brilliantly, spiced with rockabilly-surfing guitars and the charming vocals of Ina Sagstuen.

Skadedyr is highly original and uncompromising band with exciting vision.