RUSK
Country of origin:
Norway
Type of music generally:
Mostly traditional Norwegian and Swedish tunes and ballads, occasional selected alternative covers
Status:
Most recent release, RUSK II (2006)
See also:
RUSK's site
Comparisons:
Agnes Buen Garnâs, especially her disc with Jan Garbarek; Kirsten Brâten Berg also does some vocals like this, particularly on the Nordisk Sang disc
Covers/own material:
Mostly traditional but some songs/tunes of their own composition and occasional covers of contemporary songs
General comments:
Rusk is a wonderful traditional Norwegian group that does haunting spare version of ballads. Lovely stuff. The lead singer has a strong, evocative, plaintive voice, and the stripped-down down is powerful. (Neile)
Recommended first album:
RUSK II is the first we've heard
Recordings:
Release info:
2006—heilo—HCD 7199
Availability:
Norway
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Unni Løvlid—vocals
Vegar Vårdal—fiddle
Frode Haltli—accordion
Produced by:
Hallibakken lydproduksjon, Tor Magne Hallibakken
Comments:
This is a wonderful collection of ballads and songs. I was surprised how much this caught me, given that I don't understand the lyrics (they kindly included summaries in English in the booklet that at least give me some idea). The musicianship is excellent and the sparse arrangements give the songs power and life. The only song I don't care for, which I'm sure is a crowd-pleaser for everyone else is their cover of Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt". The rest of the album I really enjoy and highly recommend for anyone who likes traditional music. (Neile)
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