A FROZEN HEART IN SUMMERTIME: PERMAFROST UNVEIL BROODING POST-PUNK SUMMER ANTHEM
‘Ultimo August’ Out 16th August
LP ‘The Light Coming Through’ Out 11th October
“If you are a fan of the sinister menace of Interpol, the jagged guitar lines of Gang Of Four or the grandiose gloom of The Cure, here is a band which is a mix of all three but has its own unique post-punk aesthetic – Permafrost.”
XS NOIZE
“Brooding and upbeat, here we have a classically post-punk vibe with compositions still centred on starkly compelling melodies.”
AMPLIFY MUSIC
“With a powerful melody and plenty of reverb and appealing synth, there is still a charming quality here amidst this ominous hymn – impressive.”
SPILL MAGAZINE
Nordic-British quartet Permafrost continue to deliver the authentic post-punk sound of the early '80s with the release of ‘Ultimo August’ on 16th August. The single follows the band's acclaimed comeback track, ‘Wrong Heart’, and serves as a final preview of their forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, hailed for release 11th October.
Permafrost shatter expectations with ‘Ultimo August’ by delivering a brooding summer anthem that heralds their forthcoming album. Lead singer Kåre Steinsbu’s haunting baritone howls weave a tale of heartbreak and introspection as the track delves into the personal reckoning required to mend a fractured relationship. Driven by pulsating basslines and intricate guitar work, the track juxtaposes the icy darkness of winter against the yearning warmth of summer, evoking comparisons to Interpol, Editors, and New Order.
“Ultimo August is a song about a broken relationship and the realisation that it’s necessary to look inward first to work out where it went wrong“ says Permafrost of the single. “It’s a story of a person who is torn between the turbulence of passion and the mundanity of a peaceful life”
Conceived in the chilling depths of Molde, Norway, Permafrost have been igniting the post-punk flame since their formation in 1982. Founded by schoolmates Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu, the band has evolved over the decades, incorporating the talents of fellow Norwegian Robert Heggdal and UK-based Daryl Bamonte - a seasoned collaborator with Depeche Mode and The Cure. As authentic purveyors of the genre, Permafrost transport listeners back to the shadowy, goth-filled clubs of the early ‘80s. Whilst countless contemporary artists attempt to replicate the raw energy of this era, Permafrost truly lived it.
Defying the odds of distance, with members dispersed across Trondheim, Oslo and Margate, Permafrost have forged an unbreakable creative bond. Unexpectedly, the pandemic became a catalyst for Permafrost’s creativity, as weekly virtual sessions laid the groundwork for their forthcoming album and refined their long-distance collaborative process. The songwriting process typically begins with guitarist Frode presenting a demo, which bassist Robert (Bob Frost) then develops in Logic Pro, programming drums and other elements. Singer Kåre creates a melody to match and lyrics are selected from a collective vault they have accumulated over the years. The song is refined through a collaborative process, passing back and forth between all four members until everyone is satisfied.
Utilising this refined process, Permafrost’s forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, offers a sonic refuge from the chaos of modern life. With their signature blend of synth-infused post-punk and politically charged lyrics, the band delivers a collection of songs that are both introspective and empowering. Self described as “Optimistic Melancholy,” their sound offers solace and inspiration, illuminating a path through life’s darkest corners.
Permafrost’s discography is a testament to their endurance over the years within the music scene. From their humble beginnings with the limited edition 1983 cassette ‘Godtment’, the band has evolved into a formidable force. Their 2019 vinyl EP, ‘Permafrost’ marked a turning point, subsequently gaining wider exposure through a digital release in 2021. Permafrost truly ignited in 2021, with their trio of singles dominating the charts, including an eight-week combined reign for ‘Femme Fatale’ and ‘Closed Eyes’ atop the Indie Disko Top40. These tracks also made waves on the Deutsche Alternative and Native25 charts, earning a coveted spot on Apple Music’s influential "New in Rock" playlist. The unstoppable momentum continued with ‘Restore Us’ which secured the #1 position on both the Indie Disko Top40 and Native25 charts.
‘Ultimo August’ drops on all major streaming platforms on 16th August, a final taste of Permafrost's forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, due for release on October 11th.
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