Platou makes nice, dull background music on latest album Frozen Eve

By: Marian Gaviola

Posted: 10/24/07

10/24/07 - Looking for an obscure artist with decent tunes you can slow dance to or listen to while you're lounging around? Well then, check out Carl Platou.

The self-described "king of dark pop," Platou brings to the table music that combines "night rock" with "college rock." I don't really know what he means by this because when I listen to his songs, all I can think of is "easy listening." He has a Bachelor's Degree of Library and he is supposed to put the average grunge rocker to shame.

When I think of grunge, I think of Nirvana or Pearl Jam. Platou's music is very far from this kind of music- granted, neither Nirvana nor Pearl Jam can really be considered "average." Instead, I'd classify his music into the soft rock genre. The songs from his album Frozen Eve are slow, melodious and just plain easy to listen to. His songs can be likened to those of Coldplay, except raspier, a bit faster... and from Norway.

That's right. Platou is an artist from Oslo, Norway who released his first album, Frozen Eve, last July. He's European. That has to count for something, right?

At the rate he's going, I think he needs all the help he can get. Don't get me wrong- his music is decent. But that's all there is to it - decency. I'd consider it as background music for when I want to sit back and relax, or as an added ambiance to a room where you want to slow dance. It doesn't necessarily inspire passion or deep feelings. The lyrics are touching enough, but the beat, rhythm and melody itself is plain.

Although maybe that's what he's aiming for - atmosphere music.

Platou is more of a poet than a rocker. His songs include some really poignant lyrics such as, "You're my angel/I'm your feathered wings/ I'll fly with you," from the opening song, "I'll Fly with You."

His songs do have some unique aspects to take note of. For one, his crew of musicians includes a cellist. Eirik Roald plays a mean 16-second solo in the song "Sunday Morning." Cellos, in general, are awesome and including the instrument in any ensemble makes any group all the more interesting. Platou also plays the keyboard and this adds a bit of a trippy aspect to his songs, reminiscent of bands like The Doors' except Platou plays keyboards slower.

If you're looking for nice music, then Platou's Frozen Eve is definitely the CD to grab. I wouldn't shell out the money for it myself, but if you're looking for a gift for your mom who likes to listen to music in the background as she reads in the den, then check this CD out. She'll love it.