Seventeen: A Year of Nightlife Adventures
Seventeen was a transformative year, marked by memories of sneaking out to dance until dawn at Hugs&Kisses, sharing peach schnapps from a jewel-encrusted flask at Mercat Basement, and being the first to arrive and the first to leave at Misty Nights. Living in a relatively small city, I didn’t know many people or much about my surroundings, making each night feel rich, intoxicating, and ever so slightly dangerous. The thrill of venturing out for the first time expanded my tiny internal world into something massive and exhilarating.
Big City Life: An Album that Captures the Essence
Big city life, the captivating new album by Smerz, encapsulates this intoxicating feeling into a potent musical concoction. It’s a blend of romanticism and an itch for excitement—a mixtape perfect for the long train ride into the city and the euphoric cab ride home. It serves as an ideal soundtrack for mundane retail jobs, providing a sense of escape while waiting to clock off. The album is a gesamtkunstwerk by Catharina Stoltenberg and Henriette Motzfeldt, synthesizing the fright-night beats of their 2018 album, *Have fun*, with the contemporary classical experiments of *Believer* and *Før og etter*, as well as the electroclash vibes from last year’s *Allina*.
Musical Landscape of Big City Life
On *Big city life*, various musical paths intertwine, crafting stunning sonic formations: from lush trip-hop torch songs to swaggering electro grooves and dance tracks reminiscent of Liquid Liquid blasting into an empty club after hours. This musical journey unfolds in a romantasy version of Oslo, where rain-slicked streets and the aroma of rare Baccarat Rouge 540 create a perfect backdrop for modern fables about growing up, exploring nightlife, and falling in love.
An “I Want” Anthem
Like any compelling fairytale, *Big city life* opens with Smerz’s interpretation of an “I Want” song. The title track resonates with anyone who has experienced the monotony of daily life, as Stoltenberg sings with a lifeless tone, “I heard the trip was great ha ha ha.” The duo’s disdain for social niceties is palpable, with the only remedy found in “the freedom of a big city”—a wild, unscripted world that liberates one from the repetitiveness of social gatherings.
Droll Vocals and Irony
Stoltenberg and Motzfeldt’s vocals often carry a droll quality, reminiscent of other irony-laden pop duos like Coco & Clair Clair or New York. However, there’s a notable contrast between Motzfeldt’s anhedonia on the title track and Stoltenberg’s sly encouragement in “Roll the dice.” This particular track serves as Smerz’s take on “Dancing Queen,” composed entirely in the second person to resonate with high-potential wallflowers: “When you’re here, all dressed up, looking ready and nice/Feel the places, walk the streets, and take no advice.”
The Zone Between Aspiration and Reality
One of Smerz’s remarkable feats on *Big city life* is their ability to evoke the essence of a club without necessarily being categorized as club music. “Roll the dice” revolves around a slinky piano riff coupled with what seems to be a chopped-up techno break, yet it flows with the whimsical looseness of Parker Posey dancing in *Party Girl*. This encapsulates the essence of *Big city life*: the delicate balance between aspiration and reality.
Conclusion
In summary, *Big city life* by Smerz is more than just an album; it is a vibrant exploration of youth, nightlife, and the bittersweet experience of growing up. The dynamic soundscapes and clever lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys, making it a significant work for anyone navigating the complexities of modern urban life.
FAQs
What themes are explored in Smerz’s *Big city life*?
The album delves into themes of youth, nightlife, freedom, and the complexities of modern relationships set against the backdrop of city life.
How does the music of Smerz differ from traditional club music?
Smerz combines elements of club music with introspective and narrative lyrics, creating a sound that evokes the club experience without strictly adhering to traditional club formats.
What influences can be heard in *Big city life*?
The album showcases a blend of trip-hop, electro grooves, and contemporary classical elements, influenced by their previous works and various genres.
Who are the members of Smerz?
Smerz consists of Catharina Stoltenberg and Henriette Motzfeldt, who collaboratively create their unique sound and artistic vision.
