Usikker Swag – Ole MAA

Can the context of an artist work in their native tongue be truly understood by someone who doesn’t understand the language?

Music speaks in every language, however, the lyrical poetry details, and the overall message of the words and the stories will pass unobserved. However, if we instead start with the feeling, then the instrumentation and then the vocal tone, perhaps only then can we reach an overall conclusion.

From the outset to the end, Ole MAA’s debut album, Norwegian sung, is soulful and at times funky. It opens with the funk-fuelled single Syke Stilen before the smooth – chilled vibe of Knocked Out, and Hundre Mann set a wonderfully pleasing atmosphere. Ole MAA never parodies the soul genre and singles like Faenskapet, impress with dreamy R&B harmonies. The scintillating guitar chords flow while Ole presents a vocally, honest heartfelt ballad.

Min Chi shines as an example of a delectable groove, sweetly layered harmonies with keys played at their soulful best.

For me, the production of Ole’s voice is slightly over-pronounced; however, the musicality throughout is velvety rich.