Today our Scandinavian Soul Court is hearing Judy Law, the new single and video from Norwegian band Fieh.
And the verdict is – this band are overwhelmingly guilty of consistently delivering outstanding future soul music.
Behind the song title is lead singer Sofie Tollefsbo‘s alter ego, Judy Law, a lawyer living in designer clothes – an entirely different lifestyle from that of a hard-working musician.
The single revolves around the desire for a better life or simply to be someone else. Although the theme represents self-realisation, it has a dreamy quality that suggests wishful thinking. The lyrics are poetic and engaging, like the dark stuttering groove beneath. This video embodies Fieh’s playful creativity, where humour is always a part of the mix.
There is a distinct sound to Fieh that can only be found in the Nordic region and defines Norwegian soul music. Fieh, fronted by Sofie Tollefsbøl and consisting of musicians Jørgen Kasbo (guitar), Ola Øverby (drums), Kai von der Lippe (keyboards), Solveig Wang (synth and choir), Lyder Øvreås Røed (trumpet, percussion, and horn arrangement), Andreas Rukan (bass) and Thea Arnesdotter (choir).
With sources of inspiration such as Steve Lacey, Anderson Paak, Bootsy Collins, Gorillaz, Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse, Fieh describe their music as an ‘indication of how they would sound in 2023.’ In the Nordic soul music genre, Fieh stands at the pinnacle. Comparisons are unnecessary.