Beatservice Records' latest discovery is Mørk, AKA Benjamin Mørk, hailing from the island Senja in the northern parts of Norway. Previously active as the leader of an eponymous piano-based jazz quartet, Mørk has surrendered to seduction by electronic circuitry and synthetic melody with his latest release, charmingly titled Disco In Odd Times. The EP presents five examples of Mørk's strange and catchy electro-pop, slightly colored by his jazz background and a newfound joy for analog-driven antics. The results are synth-heavy and rhythmically groovy, with a foot in the '80s and a discernible sense of humor throughout. "Tour de Senja" is the stand-out, abundant in disco laser-sounds and bleepy hooks propelled by a dance-ready four-on-the-floor beat. "Sir Talk-A-Lot" is also aimed at the DJs, featuring an appealing processed vocal line and a decidedly Scandinavian pop aesthetic. The EP's other tracks expand on Mørk's modus operandi in varying tempos and atmospheres, but all retaining the artist's apparent sense of fun and affinity for musical exploration.
Nick Warren - "Brilliant release … I love all the tracks."
Tensnake - "'DIY (Do It Yourself)' is nice."
Rune Lindbæk - "Kül!"
All Good Funk Alliance - "Cool Todd Terje-style bass line and groove on 'Tour de Senja'."
Hard Ton - "Loving 'DIY (Do It Yourself)' a lot!"
Chris Massey (Paper Recordings / Electriks) - "Lovely Norwegian disco vibes … cosmic, funky as heck, and straight up dance floor bombs."
Larry Tee - "Nice one!"
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - "Great sound!"
Generic People - "Tasty little package … really feeling 'Disco In Odd Times'."
Flash Atkins (Paper Recordings) - "Nice EP … 'Tour de Senja' taking the honors."
Jon Manley (hOUSEwORX Radio Show) - "Classic analog synth action from Mørk … 'Tour de Senja' is the choice for me."
Adam Warped (Whiskey Pickle / Strange Days) "'Tour de Senja' is a wonderful journey!"
DJ Morpheus (Lysergic Factory) - "Excellent disco track here … great fun."
J. Crocker (HMWK Radio Show) - "Fantastic EP full of cool sounds, textures, and creative ideas."
Sam Hopkins (AccuRadio, Chicago) - "Forward-looking as well as nostalgic … I dig it."
Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, and Spotify.