Bellman is one of those bands that hits you by surprise because it’s not what you expected at all. Instead of indie rock, I happily stumbled upon a lo-fi pop album. Bellman, alias for Norwegian singer Arne-J Rauan has crafted enjoyable and catchy pop songs that make you forget about Top 40 “pop” music. This is real pop music, with a twist. His voice takes elements from Jonsi of Sigur Ros and Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips to create an album of hauntingly calm songs.  With instruments ranging from sweeping violins to synthesizers, it is easy to tell that this is crafted to perhaps pay an homage to the “good” pop music of yore–just with an updated kick. You could also swear that Rauan is part of The Flaming Lips, as his song, “I Suppose” reminds me so much of Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, with a hint of the Beatles’ sound. It’s gorgeous, it’s exactly what is needed in pop music today instead of auto tune and melodies that drone on for 4 minutes. I would recommend this to anyone who does like The Flaming Lips or Sigur Ros because yes, while it is pop music, it’s lo-fi, soulful, and intricate–much like the former’s music.

Check out Bellman’s Facebook here.

Or his Bandcamp here. 

I Suppose-Bellman