With “Til Nord”, Gåte deliver an emotive and epic collection of tracks, revisiting some of their own classics and adding a new track as a taste of great things to come. They are delving even deeper into the musical past of their country, with a contemporary approach.
The work Gåte with loving respect have put into their songs is both breathtakingly bold and an amazing listen. By deducting keyboards, electric guitars, and modern drums, Gåte have shifted their focus to a more archaic percussion style and acoustic instrumentation.
Gunnhild Sundli’s exceptional vocals, which played a major role in catapulting the band to stardom in Norway, have confidently been reduced in complexity, but gained in folk-attitude and expression.
In stylistic terms, the transformation can be explained as a shift from Folk Rock to Nordic Folk. Yet Gåte remain true to themselves even when exploring new possibilities in the musical territory pioneered by acts like compatriots WARDRUNA or Faeroese singer EIVØR PÁLSDÓTTIR.
The first single and opening track ‘Kjærleik’ is the perfect example of how the band have transfigured their sound. If you play the old and the new version of ‘Kjærleik’ back-to-back both pieces remain unparalleled and unique in their own way. and woriginal recording of ‘Kjærleik’ remains to be an outstanding piece. Both are clearly labelled Gåte and revolve around a traditional axis and complemented by a modern reinterpretation; but where the original remains outstanding in its originality, the rework amazes with its fresh perspective.
Gåte were founded in 1999 by violin player and keyboardist Sveinung Sundli who quickly recruited his sister Gunnhild Sundli as the singer. Sveinung’s violin and Gunnhild´s unique vocals brought a firm base in traditional music to the sound, which was complemented and contrasted by modern instruments such as bass, drums, and electric guitars.
The resulting Folk-Rock blew minds and detonated ears.
With the self-titled EPs “Gåte” in 2001 and 2002, and their debut album “Jygri” (2002), the band from Trondheim exploded onto their country’s music scene. Their records and acclaimed fierce live-performances rewarded GÅTE with the Norwegian Grammy (“Spellemannsprisen”) for best new band, and their music ravaged the charts.
With their sophomore full-length “Iselilja” (2004), Gåte started to gain international recognition, but singer Gunnhild Sundli moved on to pursue other career paths. Without her outstanding folk influenced, wide ranging vocals that are equally at home in rock and jazz, the Norwegians went onto a hiatus – despite charting again with their live album “Liva” (2006).
During their absence, Gåte´s stature kept growing as no other band could fill the gap the group had left behind. So when, out of the blue, the band announced a return to the stage with a tour in 2017, the tickets sold out at record speed. And with their third album, “Svevn” (2018), the Norwegians once again underlined their exceptional status and musical prowess.
Now, instead of comfortably resting on their well-deserved laurels, the band – who has always been eager to break new ground and expand their artistic horizon, dare to explore a new fascinating path as illustrated by “Til Nord”. At the beginning of an exciting journey into the uncharted corners of Nordic folk, Gåte stand firm on home ground as they present yet another stunning masterclass of musical innovation on “Til Nord”.
The Vikings return, and this time they bring beautiful gifts.
GÅTE:
Gunnhild Sundli – Vocal
Magnus Børmark – Guitar, vocal, percussion
Sveinung Sundli – Hardingfele (main instrument from Norwegian folk music), violin, pedal organ, vocal and percussion
EP tracklist:
1. Kjærleik
2. Hemnarsverdet 3. Horpa
4. Rideboll
5. Til deg
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