Fieh - Grendehus Funkadelic”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Ari Lennox, girl in red, Remi Wolf

One of the joys of SXSW is finding genres that feel like you’re making up and add “Norwegian neo-soul pop” to that list thanks to eight-piece R&B groovers Fieh. They’ve released a trio of tracks so far from upcoming sophomore record In the Sun in the Rain, all of which combine Fieh’s smooth touch and creative, unexpected melodies fueling their adventurous approach. Chillwave tones intermingle with smoky-jazz bass and percussion on “Allthetimeevenwhen”, creating a dreamy space, full but never overpowering. That jazz mentality informs Fieh’s songwriting as well, organizing their songs in unique sections versus relying on psych-pop repetition. Counter that with the post-punk riffs that form the backbone of the explosive, appropriately “Grendehus Funkadelic”, a song that still has elements of softness amid synth and guitar dance grooves. Don’t drop early from this one either - the back half of the track is a building psych rock jam that feels lifted from 70s math rock before dissolving into ambient space. It’ll be interesting to hear the rest of In the Sun in the Rain come March and to experience the creative groove of this excitingly unique unit live at SXSW. (Kevin McStravick)