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Casiokids announce 2012 album and UK tour - tickets on sale now

Posted: 12 years ago

There was a time, really not all that long ago, when an interest in Norwegian synth pop might be cited as a cultural cosh with which to abuse geeks, musos and the pasty-faced.

At some hitherto unforeseen point, as with geekiness and pallor, Scandinavian electronica became cool. Just in time for Casiokids, who release their new album, 'Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen' on 16th January 2012.

Formed in Bergen and Stavanger (which is twinned with Harlow in Essex, if you're taking notes) in 2005, the four-piece put out an EP in 2007, before releasing their debut full-length record, 'Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar', in 2008. 'Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar' is unconvincingly but enthusiastically translated by the internet into 'Top Mood at Local Bar'. Almost certainly wrong, the translation nonetheless sums up Casiokids well, with their rich, electronic soundscapes immediate scene-setters for any venue.

Casiokids received a welcome, and no doubt earned, shot in the arm in the summer of 2010 when they were one of four recipients of one million kroner (more than £100,000) each for Norwegian artists who pop legends A-ha felt had the most export potential at that time. Casiokids also got to support Morten, Mags and Pål on A-ha's final, farewell tour.

No longer short of studio time, 'Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen' represents a step up for Casiokids. The new record is their first release recorded fully in a 'proper' studio and at the band's own pace. It promises much. Check out album track 'London Zoo' recorded at a live session in Paris recently, in the video, above.

The headline tour kicks off three days after the record is released, on 19th January in Birmingham, followed by gigs in Manchester (Deaf Institute), Glasgow, Newcastle, London (Cargo), Cambridge, bath and Tunbridge Wells, before the final date in Canterbury on 28th January. That's nine gigs in 10 days, with a lie down on the 23rd.

Tickets are on sale now, costing £7 for all dates except London, which costs £8.

Norwegians, synth pop, Casio, less than a tenner. What's not to like?

Stewart Darkin