This Is Normal

Is this really normal? If so, then before this record, normality has never been this funny, sexy, knavish, elegant, and exquisite. Gus Gus, a collective of 8 people since Hafdis Huld’s departure, certainly does trip-hop and electronica. But before you begin to draw comparisons between these Icelanders and Bjork, they have their very unique and distinctive style, miles away from Bjork’s influence.

Their complex debut, “Polydistortion”, was a really magical promise which captivated the critics and the audience with a music that was sometimes close to funk (“Polyester Day”, “Barry”), and trip-hoppish themes full of special effects (“Believe”, “Gun”, “Cold Sweat”).  “This is Normal” does nothing but confirm the fact that we are hearing one of the most exquisite groups of the 90s, and of the next decade.

The trip-hoppish crafts that characterized “Polydistortion” are still there in catchy themes like “Teenage Sensation”, “Snoozer”, and “Blue Mug”. Gus Gus alternates these tunes with other more danceable, and sometimes, even funkier ones like “Ladyshave”, “Very Important People”, “Acid Milk”, and “Love Vs Hate”. They even permit some flirting with lush orchestral sounds in the beautiful and ethereal ballad “Bambi”.  If Gus Gus keeps walking this path of evolution, they promise to be one of the most influential bands of the early 21st century.  This music is highly recommended due to its magic and uniqueness.

Written by Pekky Marquez.

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• Sep 9, 2000, 12:00am