Track of the Day: I See Rivers “Helios” (2019)

Norwegian trio I See Rivers have returned with their new single, “Helios”, the first taste of their forthcoming album, which is set for release in 2020. 

The trio, whilst all originally from Norway, actually met whilst in Liverpool where they were studying. Now they’ve upped and moved to Pembrokeshire in Wales, having fallen in love with the Welsh coast line and mountains whilst recording their first EP at Studiowz. 

The single, which features sublime three part vocal harmonies, represents something of a bridge between their two previous EPs and their forthcoming new album in 2020. Their sound, which they describe as “float pop”, has a distinctly nordic vibe, bringing to mind the likes of AURORA and Of Monsters and Men (even if they’re Icelandic). “Helios”, however, sees the trio experimenting with more of an electronic direction. 

New direction or not, it’s a beautiful track, full of exquisite harmonies and a brightness and airiness that is refreshing. That brightness, perhaps, isn’t too surprising, given that the song is named for the Greek God of the Sun. Though the band have suggested that the single “is meant to represent the experience of seeing someone through rose-tinted glasses, thinking the world of them, seeing them as the actual sun, before finally seeing them in their true light.” So, as oft seems to be the way with all things Nordic, a bit of darkness does creep in. 

I See Rivers are Eline (Keys, vocals and percussion), Gøril (Guitars, vocals and drum pad), and Lill (drums and vocals). Though when it comes to the live performance the trio switch up their instruments throughout the set, proving themselves to be quite the versatile live performers. 

There’s no suggestion of any Australian dates for the time being, but if you happen to be in Norway this month, they’ll be playing Kulturhuset in Oslo on the 14th and Bergenfest in Bergen on the 15th.

“Helios” is available now. You can find I See Rivers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

Simon Clark

Books Editor. An admirer of songs and reader of books. Simon has a PhD in English and Comparative Literature. All errant apostrophes are his own.