Highasakite - FUV Live - 2014

Like a brooding Nordic Noir novel, Highasakite's second album, Silent Treatment, brims with menacing chapters: tracks bearing bellicose titles like "The Hand Grenade," "Iran" and "Darth Vader" don't promise a sweet outcome. But the Norwegian quintet's sound, as darkly conceived as it might be, is elevated by lushly cinematic, often upbeat arrangements, urged forward by Ingrid Helene Håvik's pensively pretty vocals. It's not surprising that Bon Iver's Justin Vernon is a fan (or that Highasakite recently covered one of his songs).

Earlier this summer, Highasakite (the band nicked its name from Elton John's "Rocket Man") visited FUV and The Alternate Side's Studio A for a live session and a conversation. They chatted about their jazz conservatory roots, the use of the mysterious flugelbone in their songs and Håvick's own journey as a potent frontwoman. They'll also return to the New York area soon, playing Rockwood Music Hall on November 4.

[recorded: 5/20/14]