Autoband is the solo project of Gudmund Østgård, a prolific member of the music scene in Tromsø, Norway. With his warm Scandinavian electronica he blends ambient, glitch and jazz to a surprising and soothing mix. The album sounds a bit like The Cinematic Orchestra snow skiing on the Arctic Circle, meeting up with Boards of Canada and Tycho, and jamming in the hotel room with Ane Brun.
This player contains 5 tracks from the self-titled album, showing the diversity and depth of Østgård’s production. Sounds vary from upfront electronic to icy ‘chill out’ material as well as a couple lilting songs with a gentle female vocal. Warm up, lounge, or end-of-the-night after-hours affairs will definitely benefit from a slice of Autoband in the mix.
Originally from Stokmarknes in the north of Norway, Gudmund Østgård has been working with music for theatre, film and TV for years. As a performing artist he has collaborated with Russian electronic artists as well as fellow Tromsø electronica-heads like Gaute Barlindhaug (Aedena Cycle/Kolar Goi/Taigatrost) and Nasra Ali Omar (Nasra & Gaute) on various live projects. He has performed new music for several silent movies, touring Russia recently with a re-recorded version of a Metropolis soundtrack. Østgård has contributed to albums from a.o. Kolar Goi and Anneli Drecker (of Bel Canto fame). He has also been a member of the americana band Milestone Refinery.
Nick Warren - “I really like this. Clever production and use of unusual sounds …”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - “Hard to pick a favorite. A diverse release without being overly so, and cinematic in the right ways.”
Acid Ted (blog) - “The album has gentleness but a background crackle, like creaking ice floes.”
Irregular Disco Workers - “‘City Slides’ is a slow motion bomb!”
Stereo 77 (Research Deluxe) - “Lounge-y, seductive, and wonderfully crafted. Perfect for mix-tapes, warm up sets, and early morning drives.”
Anji Bee (The Chillcast) - “Nicely chilled with a touch of darkness. Shades of Tycho without the cute factor. I dig the addition of acoustic guitar and female voice - so unexpected.”
Gavin Hardkiss (Hawke) - “We’ll get this on rotation in the yoga studio and around the camp fire.”
DJ Nutritious (Brooklyn Shakedown) - “‘Sunbeam’ really speaks to me here - lush, laid-back, pretty. This album is intense and musical… and that’s awesome.”
Bootsy (For The Love radio show) - “A strong and varied album. My pick is ‘Rails,’ with its four to the floor beats and bluesy guitar/harmonica, it just builds and builds, very fresh sounding. ‘City Slides’ stands out - choice, chunky weirdo electronic music. Sunbeam deserves an honourable mention. An unexpected folky treat.”
Brewster Brigham (KISS FM, Australia) - “A delicious and fabulous soul-soothing must-have record for any true musically-minded person. i know it’s early but this is the best release for 2012 so far..!!”
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.