25 – D’Sound

Twenty-five years in the music business is a major achievement, and Norwegian band D’Sound rightly celebrates the milestone with the album 25 featuring multiple international soul artists.

I was late to the D’Sound party (I’m even late with this review!), having discovered them in 2012 with their track Green Eyes. I was, and still am, smitten by lead singer Simone Eriksrud’s sweetly endearing vocals on this ’90s pop/soul single.

Over the years, the band has transformed. With the departure of Simone, Kim Ofstad (drums) and Jonny Sjo (bass) continued their evolution and, dare I say, are now more soulful than ever.

In fact, 25 feels the ideal entry point for a D’Sound virgin and become indoctrinated in the band’s sound.

25 features a host of guest talents; Macy Gray (Save Some), Shontelle (Necessary Love), Autumn Rowe (Right Now), Pher/Cory Henry (Good Nature), Armi Millare (Run For Cover), Mirjam Omdal (Back to You), Marie Noreger (My Own Country) and the surprise and a welcome return of Simone Eriksrud (Flashback).

Even after returning to this album after almost two months, it nevertheless still amazes me how every track exudes its own rich characteristics. For example, the excellent My Own Country featuring Marie Noreger with warm keys and surging strings bears almost no relationship to the sensual soul sound of Run for Cover.

D’Sound’s longevity is their musical appreciation, allowing them to smoothly transition the tempos from dancefloor inducing rhythms to sweet neo-soul reclining vibes. Whether it’s the metronome-tight drum licks or the variety of deep bass chords, they deliver an approachable sound no matter your music taste. Soul music connoisseurs will undoubtedly feel the love here. However, the mystery is why D’Sound is still not a household name outside Norway?

Released Jan 21 2022