Nostalgia / Again It’s On – ¡BangBang Watergun!

Norwegian soul music. The term may still raises eyebrows, but it exists—and ¡BangBang Watergun! are among its pioneers. From the start, it was clear this collective was onto something unique. Their fusion of jazz, soul, and hip-hop has evolved, and with their second album, Nostalgia / Again It’s On, they dive even deeper into their sound. Over thirteen tracks, they fine-tune their identity, letting harmonies and sonics breathe freely.

The album crafts a playful, beat-driven landscape, peppered with dreamy synths, delicate melodies, and well-penned lyrics. It opens with Broken Hearted Girl(s), an ethereal, spacious track that signals intent. This isn’t thrown together; it’s sculpted. When the bassline kicks in under Ragnhild Moan’s blissful vocals, you’re immediately pulled into a rich, immersive world. Much like Portishead, the lead vocalist captivates, but it’s the synergy between her and the music that makes the experience so compelling.

One of the year’s most striking releases lives here—Well, I Tried. A seamless blend of soul, pop, and rock, the track’s heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody cement its place as an instant classic. The response upon its release was deservedly glowing, securing its spot in the Scandinavian soul classics.

Not everything lands perfectly, though.
Wrong or Right disrupts the album’s flow. It probably shines when performed live, but here, it’s an awkward fit that might have you reaching for the volume knob—especially if guests are around.

The album’s title track Nostalgia / Again It’s On is intriguing, and the cover art—a vintage couple waltzing (I think)—hints at an old-meets-new dynamic. The title track itself leans into a funky groove, though Foxtrotting to it might be ambitious. A gorgeous instrumental section seals it as another standout.

Then there’s Desperate. Opening with the question, “Where are you tonight?“, it instantly pulls you into its storytelling, carried along by an irresistible groove.

The moody yet stunning Out of the Blue embodies Nordic Noir at its finest. It feels like flipping through someone’s personal diary, set to music. That’s where this album shines brightest—transforming raw emotions into sound.

From Uber rides to introspective moments, the band lays it all out. Mad captures anger with soul-hop poetic precision. Such A Loser is both self-critical and annoyingly catchy. These songs aren’t just tracks; they’re experiences.

The album’s production and arrangement highlight ¡BangBang Watergun!’s growth. Tracks like I Don’t Know and What Was I Scared Of ease off the gas but remain engaging, especially when played through a quality hi-fi setup.

And then there’s BusyBusyBusy, the closer—with the gentle vocals, before a scintillating electric guitar chord melody is a delight. It rewards those who listen through to the end. In an era of short attention spans, it’s refreshing to find an album that values the full journey.