Karisma Records have revealed details of Villa Carlotta 5959, the upcoming release from Alternative Rockers LJUNGBLUT, as well as releasing the first single from the album. The single, for the track Hasselblad, whose cover features a photo by the photographer Bjørn Opsahl and a guest appearance by A-HA and ZEROMANCER's Erik Ljunggren, along with his wide array of analogue synths. The single tells the story about the 12 Hasselblad cameras left behind on the surface of the Moon
Band founder Kim Ljung extensively comments on the track: "It was just one of those days. An early morning. I read somewhere about the twelve Hasselblad cameras left on the moon. Made some fresh coffee and locked myself into the studio without any particular ideas in my head.In a few hours it was all there. Lyrics and everything.
A real special feeling when it happens. The guys loved the demo. A few weeks later we rehearsed “Hasselblad” as a band, keeping it close to the original idea. Of course, Ted added a real great drum-pattern. It was only just over a 2-minute arrangement though. Right after I wrote it, I was visting Erik Ljunggren in his studio. Blown away by the collection of modular and vintage synthesizers, I asked him if he wanted to contribute for the end part. The Arp 2600 and the Oberheim Matrix creating most of the magic. All analogue. It was perfect.
Ljungblut originally started out as a solo project from Seigmen/ Zeromancer bass player and main songwriter Kim Ljung in 2005.
He needed an outlet for songs which didn’t fit in with his main bands. After three solo albums in English, the project evolved into a full quintet – and they released two independent albums in Norwegian.
Villa Carlotta 5959 is the sixth Ljungblut album, and the last in a trilogy of albums with Norwegian lyrics. Here, several songs have historical references. Hasselblad about the 12 Hasselblad cameras left behind on the surface of the Moon. Superga referring to the Superga height outside Torino, most known for the cathedral and the plane crash that killed the Torino football team in 1949. Then there are songs referring to Ljung’s chronic migraine – Min Krig (My war) and Aldri helt stille (Never completely quiet).
The album has a wide range of tempos and dynamics, but at the same time a cohesive sound and melancholy mood. An organic sound with Kim Ljung’s characteristic voice surrounded by a plethora of vintage synths and instruments. The basis of the album was recorded live in studio and mixed by Alex Møklebust (Seigmen/ Zeromancer) and Terje Johannesen.
Tracklist
01. Hasselblad
02. Oktober
03. Til Warszawa
04. 235
05. Superga
06. Diamant
07. Himmelen som vet
08. Ohnesorg
09. Aldri helt stille
10. Min Krig