Review: Meer – Playing House

Style: Symphonic Progressive Rock (clean vocals)
Review by: Callum
Country: Norway
Release date: January 29, 2021

Meer are effectively a miniature orchestra. The Norwegian alt-pop octet combines catchy hooks with progressive elements that constantly keep the listener guessing. Brother-sister dual vocals are a large part of what elevates the band’s unique sound but the song writing and musicianship backing them up is outstanding. There are classical influences to the song writing as verses and choruses aren’t just repeated but revisited with varying tones and dynamics that make them feel more like movements in a symphony. The silky smooth vocal delivery and uplifting crescendos wouldn’t feel out of place on a pop radio station at times, but at other times tempo shifts, quirky synths, and complex melodies separate Meer from anything so traditional.

Playing House opens with two of the strongest tracks on the album. “Picking Up The Pieces” carefully layers string instruments on top of each other as Johanne builds up to the big vocal hook. “Beehive” then ups the excitement and intensity after some very Radiohead piano chords introduce the track. The vocals here are outstanding as Johanne effortlessly belts out the chorus and breaks into her gravelly upper register like Mlny Parsonz of Royal Thunder, or Courtney Swain of Bent Knee.

By track 3, it’s clear that Meer doesn’t give everything away at once. Vocals from the other Nesdal sibling are introduced in “All at Sea”, backed up by harmonies similar to Soen at times. The production and mixing can really be appreciated in calmer tracks like these as the strings, piano, and guitars are delicately balanced with each other. Brother Knut takes the spotlight for the next couple of songs including “Songs Of Us” that has strong, emotional vocal harmonies and orchestration similar to The Dear Hunter. Just as I was beginning to miss Johannes input, she comes back in on “You Were a Drum” and “Honey”, guiding the rest of the instruments through peaks and troughs of intensity rather than clear-cut climaxes.

Playing House is masterfully produced, and the song writing makes for a diverse listen that subverts expectations just when things start verging back on the traditional. If I could change anything on the album, perhaps I would move the opening tracks closer to the end as none of the others, until the penultimate “She Goes”, have the same undeniably catchy hooks. Then, arguably, it would feel like more of a build to a climax than an extended lull between absolute bops. That said, each track is a pleasure and Meer has a remarkably diverse, fun, and addictive sound.

Recommended tracks: Beehive, Picking Up The Pieces, Honey
Recommended for fans of: Bent Knee, The Dear Hunter, Leprous, Evan Carson
Final verdict: 7.5/10

Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | Facebook | Instagram

Label: Karisma Records – Bandcamp | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Meer is:
– Johanne Margrethe Kippersund Nesdal (vocals)
– Knut Kippersund Nesdal (vocals)
– Eivind Strømstad (guitar)
– Åsa Ree (violin)
– Ingvild Nordstoga Eide (viola)
– Ole Gjøstøl (piano)
– Morten Strypet (bass)
– Mats Lillehaug (drums)