What is it about the trumpet that’s so damn pleasing? Beirut, Sufjan, NMH, The Decemberists… it can’t possibly be a coincidence, can it? It’s like all of a sudden, someone just picked up a trumpet and said “hey….that would sound reaalllly good with my songs”… and the rest is history. Today’s trumpeteering group, one that I hope will stick around for a while, is Benni Hemm Hemm, an Icelandic folk/pop outfit that embraces an almost comedic outlook on life through their music. Half of their songs are lush, full-orchestra productions with traces of indie-pop and fierce dramatic overtures, while the other half are slow, droning folk songs that are pretty hard to take seriously (with lyrics like “…I can love you in a wheelchair baby…” and others, reminiscent of Dogs Die In Hot Cars‘ type of nonsensicality).
Benni Hemm Hemm are best in their orchestral suits, with a confident drummer and instrumentation that recalls 70’s cop show montages and closing credit reels. It’s great stuff, but it’s almost better to smile at it than with it. Here are some lookers:
[MP3] Benni Hemm Hemm – Ku-Ui-Po
[MP3] Benni Hemm Hemm – Labbi
Benni Hemm Hemm’s self-titled debut is out in the US on 9/5. You can preorder it here.
July 11, 2006 at 5:05 am
hmmm i wanted to like this. but the first track really sounded to me like a cruise ship band
the second one was a bit more interesting, but ultimately i think the trumpets are the most appealing thing about this band.
has nothing on beirut
July 11, 2006 at 5:14 am
i agree, has nothing on beirut. as I said, i’m not sure whether I should laugh at it’s novelty, or just take it for what it’s worth
July 11, 2006 at 5:52 am
it’s cool. you gotta blog something!
definitely feeelingg your whitest boy alive and grizzly bear recs
July 11, 2006 at 6:02 am
I think this band is cool. thanks.
July 11, 2006 at 10:47 am
I have never commented on your site before. I feel kind of obliged to do it know as you are mentioning one of my favorite local groups and one of the best live acts around here up North.
I have to mention that IGIF is by far my favorite mp3blog. Keep up the good work.
Here is another song from the Bad Taste Label’s website (https://www.smekkleysa.net/shop/item.php?id=502):
https://www.smekkleysa.net/audio/full/Benni%20-%20Wheelchair.mp3
best regards from Iceland
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