Quiet Is the New Loud

Kings of Convenience

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 6, 2001)
• Original Release Date: March 6, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Astralwerks
• ASIN: B000056MYN
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,120 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > Alternative Folk

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Although Kings of Convenience are keen to play down any blatantly self-evident similarities to Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel, and Belle and Sebastian, the winsome and placidity-favoring Norwegian duo of Erlend Oye and Eirik Glambek Boe have probably already got the subway buskers of tomorrow lining up to lend an ear. Studentlike in appearance (one of them has a duffel coat and John Major specs) and unashamed to softly impart such nonrock lyrics as "put the kettle on" and "using The Guardian as a shield to cover my thighs against the rain," the weightless and airy acoustic guitar muse of Quiet Is the New Loud isn't a million miles from Radiohead's "Nice Dream" or Pink Floyd's "If" with a subliminal swish of bossa-nova rhythm. A contentedly purring cello, a plaintive touch of piano, and the muffled sound of a trumpet add necessary sonic depth, and the results are as pleasant and civilized as a little light conversation over tea in the drawing room. But what a shame they chose to name themselves after a lavatory. --Kevin Maidment

Product Description
Recently signed by the UK office of Parisian label Source (Air,Phoenix), Kings Of Convenience are Erik Glambek Boe and Erland Oye from Bergen, Norway. Favoring simplicity and melody over big production, they write emotive, intimate music that will connect instantly with fans of Nick Drake and Belle and Sebastian. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just purely fantastic, July 17, 2003

By	B. Leatherman (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I commonly surf Amazon.com to find new bands and new music. After looking at what other albums people who bought Beck's Sea Change, Nick Drake's Pink Moon, and others, I came across Kings of Convenience's Quiet is the New Loud. At first, I dismissed the disc as too folky for my taste and a Simon and Garfunkel wanna be. Fortunately for me, I sat down at a local record store, listened to the entire album, and purchase it fifteen seconds thereafter. Think of Simon and Garfunkel sitting down with Nick Drake over a case of cognac and coming up with this ablum. Rest assured, Kings of Convenience have their own unique sound which blends brilliantly with their subtle, sweeping voices. Along with superior acoustic arrangements, add a cello, some piano riffs, and you have a truly amazing arrangement of melodies. Since I purchased it, I've been listening to this album on repeat and have yet to get even remotely tired of it.

If you don't purchase this album, you're only neglecting yourself and the amazing music that surrounds us everyday.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful. Sweet. The Best Cd of it's kind., July 6, 2004

By A Customer

The only good thing that came out of a 1/2 hearted relationship that I had was hearing this cd. I could listen to it all day. This cd has bottled my emotions and let me revisit them again and again.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful melodies, beautiful lyrics, July 19, 2002

A Kid's Review

This album is one the best albums I own, (second only to Boy With the Arab Strap by Belle and Sebastian), and I think more people need to hear it. The music is reminiscent of late '60s, early '70s bands like Simon and Garfunkel, Nick Drake and Love. Their lyrics range from the simplistic, (The Girl From Back Then), to the metaphorical, (Parallel Lines).

The singing is soft and intimate and the guitar work is precise, meticulous and always excellent. If you listen carefully to some of the songs, a downtuned acoustic guitar provides the bass line.

"Quiet is the New Loud" is a gorgeous, sparse and extremely beautiful album and is an essential addition to any folkie's record collection.