BS274 Flunk: Sub Zero Sundays

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Design/artwork by Ulf Nygaard

Flunk:
Sub Zero Sundays

Format: Digital single
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274-1
Release date: 15. mar 2024

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01

Sub Zero Sundays

02

Sub Zero Sundays (Instrumental)


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Flunk make a welcome return to Beatservice with their stunning new single, 'Sub Zero Sundays'.

The talented Norwegian quartet - consisting of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, vocalist Anja Øyen Vister, and bassist Ole Kristian Wetten - have been a regular fixture on Beatservice Records since morphing into existence in the very early '00s. With a distinctive but shapeshifting sound that effortlessly floats between rock, pop and chill, the band have released 9 albums (plus compilations) and scores of singles across a catalogue that's as varied as it is prolific.

'Sub Zero Sundays' is typically challenging to pin down stylistically, with cinematic drones caressing hyper-atmospheric vocals, affecting strings languidly drifting over sparse topography. Melancholy and full of yearning, the track unfolds over pulsing bass, powerfully engaging as the music rises and falls, eventually disappearing into the far-off distance before the instrumental version strips the vocal to allow the haunting instrumentation and otherworldly textures vast space in which to glide.

Dramatic, magnetic and vivid, this is breathtaking work from Flunk.


Design/artwork by Ulf Nygaard

Flunk:
I Think I Like You

Format: Digital single
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274-2
Release date: 26. apr 2024

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01

I Think I Like You

02

I Think I Like You (Instrumental)


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The revered four-piece of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, vocalist Anja Øyen Vister, and bassist Ole Kristian Wetten are no strangers to crafting sublime, left-of-centre sonics, their impossible-to-pin-down sound making agile dalliances in the realms of rock, pop, chill and far beyond. The latest in their improbably varied catalogue follows on from previous single, the sumptuous 'Sub-Zero Sundays' - and once again proves to be utterly enchanting.

Innocent yet brimming with a discreet sense of yearning, 'I Think I Like You' sees Øyen Vister's powerfully alluring vocal drift over a deceptively sparse backing track of longing guitars, off-world synths and hypnotic drums. The profoundly evocative track appears here in two versions, the instrumental mix providing a haze-filled reprieve to the gravitational narrative of the vocal.

More breathtaking work from this wildly talented outfit, once again finding a fitting home in the Beatservice Records fold.


Design/artwork by Ulf Nygaard

Flunk:
Noise

Format: Digital single
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274-3
Release date: 7. jun 2024

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01

Noise

02

Noise (Instrumental)


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As a longstanding part of the Beatservice Records family, having released their first single on the Norwegian label over 20 years ago, Flunk offer up the third in a recent run of singles with the effortlessly enchanting 'Noise'. Comprised of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, vocalist Anja Øyen Vister and bassist Ole Kristian Wetten, the Norwegian band has spent the past two decades crafting an ethereal soundscape that blends folk, indie rock, pop and downtempo in majestic style.

Their latest single 'Noise' sweeps you off your feet from the very first breath of Anja Øyen Vister's heavenly and heart-stirring vocals. A weightlessness that lifts you ever further as Jo Bakke and Ole Kristian Wetten intertwine on guitar and bass, their riffs reverbing off into a gravity-defying space. Tying the track together, the stripped-back, hazy beat and sliding synth line from producer Ulf Nygaard give a celestial anchor to proceedings.

Combined, the result is an absorbing, eyes-closed dose of melancholy, Scandinavian sonic magic in both vocal and instrumental form, on the ever-dependable Beatservice Records.


Design/artwork by Ulf Nygaard

Flunk:
Paradise Circus

Format: Digital single
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274-4
Release date: 11. oct 2024

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01

Paradise Circus

02

Paradise Circus (Instrumental)


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A relationship that has lasted over two decades, Flunk return to grace the grooves of Beatservice Records once again for this latest single, 'Paradise Circus'. A breathtaking, all-consuming cover of a Massive Attack classic, Flunk immerse you in a world of dreamstate absolution, a haze of hypnosis that absorbs every inch of your attention.

The four piece Norwegian band operate in a realm of folk, indie rock, pop and downtempo. Made up of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, vocalist Anja Øyen Vister and bassist Ole Kristian Wetten, Flunk are masters at creating transcendental, sonic tapestries charged with emotion.

Covering a classic is never an easy job, but with 'Paradise Circus' Flunk take Massive Attack's original and stamp their own distinctive mark on it. A sea of slow motion synthesisers, sustained sliding guitars and reclining beats. Anja Øyen Vister's Björk-esque vocal tones wrap themselves around you, as the harmonies of bandmate Ulf Nygaard add an earthly texture to proceedings.

For those occasions when you want to slip straight down into the track's ethereal ambience the instrumental is also included on the single.


Design/artwork by Ulf Nygaard

Flunk:
Climbing Kilimanjaro

Format: Digital single
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274-5
Release date: 22. nov 2024

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01

Climbing Kilimanjaro

02

Climbing Kilimanjaro (Instrumental)


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Twenty years since their first release on Beatservice Records, Flunk serve up a brand new, astral-travelling original single, 'Climbing Kilimanjaro'.

Traversing the textural depths of downtempo, indie rock, folk and electronica, Norwegian favourites Flunk are a four piece outfit comprised of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, vocalist Anja Øyen Vister and bassist Ole Kristian Wetten.

For 'Climbing Kilimanjaro' an air of dust-flecked sonics, sweeping strings and modulating synths glisten in the hazy sunlight. Anja's celestial vocals are set back in the distance, calling you into the unknown. From serene to spectral Ulf's voice responds, reverberating through the ether with the added indie rock edge of the distorting guitar refrains that suck you in deeper.

An entrancing original from the Norwegian veterans, that comes backed with the instrumental in all its gripping glory.


Design/artwork by Ulf Nygaard

Flunk:
Omens

Format: Digital single
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274-6
Release date: 10. jan 2025

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01

Omens

02

Omens (Instrumental)


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Continuing their two-decade-long union, Flunk are back on Beatservice Records with their latest single, 'Omens'. Experts at channelling the essence of their surroundings, the Norwegian four-piece transports listeners to the ethereal, earthly landscapes of their home country. An introspective and emotive, folk-leaning sonic exploration, 'Omens' is a sea of soft-focus brilliance that pulls on even the toughest of heartstrings.

Comprised of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, bassist Ole Kristian Wetten and vocalist Anja Øyen Vister their distinctive blend of folk, downtempo and indie rock has enamoured audiences and listeners worldwide. With an enveloping depth of textures, their music effuses a distinct storytelling talent.

Stripping it back to the basic beauty of music being a medium to move people, 'Omens' keeps the components to a minimum, each given the space to draw you in. The deftness of Bakke's acoustic guitar picking, intertwined with delicate strums, reverberates with a familiar warmth. A perfect synergy with the tangible presence of Anja Øyen Vister's celestial vocals, so close you feel like she's right there in the room with you.

The power of this song then, lies in its simplicity. Only a dusting of cosmic synth glides and sweeping vocal harmonies are added to the mix. In an age of excess, 'Omens' is an evocative display of how less is often more when the quality of the elements are given space to shine.


Design/artwork by Ulf Nygaard

Flunk:
Trapdoor

Format: Digital single
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274-7
Release date: 21. feb 2025

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01

Trapdoor

02

Trapdoor (Instrumental)


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Presenting the next single from Flunk's forthcoming album on Beatservice Records. An outpouring of emotion emanates naturally from their music and 'Trapdoor' follows firmly in that vein. It's a pulsating swirl of synth-laden deepness moving from light to shade, crossing the boundaries between the ethereal and electronic realms.

Formed of Ulf Nygaard, vocalist Anja Øyen Vister, guitarist Jo Bakke and bassist Ole Kristian Wetten, Norwegian ensemble, Flunk, have honed their signature blend of folk, electronica, downtempo and indie rock across the past 20+ years. In a saturated industry their passion carries through, setting them apart from the rest.

Floating out into their immersive embrace, Flunk reel you in with a subdued kick and enveloping pads on 'Trapdoor'. It's the perfect foundation to let Anja's mystical voice seep into your soul. Reflective musings that carry weight and cut through. As the track develops, an expanse of modulated synthesisers entices you deeper, before the mesmerising ambience of the track's beginnings circle back round.

A trademark slice of emotive electronica, 'Trapdoor' builds the anticipation ever further for their incoming album.


Design/artwork by Ulf Nygaard

Flunk:
Sleeping On The Phone Side

Format: Digital single
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274-8
Release date: 11. apr 2025

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01

Sleeping On The Phone Side

02

Sleeping On The Phone Side (Instrumental)


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Norwegian ensemble, Flunk, present 'Sleeping On The Phone Side', an intimate cover version of Nick Murphy aka Chet Faker's spellbinding song 'Message You At Midnight'. Released on Beatservice Records the track takes its name from one of the poignant lyrics of Murphy's original and manages to reach the song's breathtaking heights in their own signature way.

Formed of Ulf Nygaard, vocalist Anja Øyen Vister, guitarist Jo Bakke and bassist Ole Kristian Wetten, Flunk have shaped a sound across the past 20 years, that brings together the worlds of folk, electronica, downtempo and indie rock in a graceful symbiosis.

Taking Murphy's arresting string-laden love song, and burrowing down to its core, Flunk craft a considered yet distinctive take on his original. Yearning strings undulate like the rise and fall of a sleeping breath, delicate guitar twangs reverberate across the ether, as a gentle bassline nestles up beside you. Anja Øyen Vister's vocals are seemingly otherworldly yet earthly in the same breath, adding an ever more melancholic touch to Murphy's original.

The beauty of this composition lies in its simplicity, whether it be the vocal version or stunning instrumental. It conveys a tenderness and message, with only a handful of elements necessary.


Flunk:
Take Me Places

Format: LP/CD/digital
Label: Beatservice Records
Catalogue number: BS274
Release date: 23. may 2025

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01

Capitalism

02

Trapdoor

03

Climbing Kilmanjaro

04

Sleeping On The Phone Side

05

I Think I Like You

06

Acid House

07

Slow Motion (Revolution Rock)

08

Sub Zero Sundays

09

Paradise Circus

10

Noise

11

Omens


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With an ability to slip the boundaries of the real world and enter new dimensions through their music, Flunk present their latest and final album Take Me Places. Familiar yet surreal in the same breath, the 11 tracks are soaked in the soft hues of dusk, dawn and the intervening stillness that sits between. Whether it's ethereal downtempo, immersive electronica, trip hop undertones or folk leanings, Flunk have crafted their finest work to date in this LP. A bittersweet swansong, as the band will dissolve back into the ether that their music inhabits following a run of live shows this spring and summer.

Consisting of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, vocalist Anja Øyen Vister, and bassist Ole Kristian Wetten, the veteran Norwegian quartet is a band that has stayed true to its roots since the very beginning. Part of the Beatservice Records family since the early '00s, their distinctive amalgamation of folk, downtempo and indie rock has enamoured listeners the world over. Depth, emotion and beauty permeate their productions and Take Me Places is the perfect example of this.

The album begins in signature storytelling fashion with 'Capitalism', a brooding journey through the underworld, interspersed with arresting vocal samples and haunting harmonies. It rolls symbolically into 'Trapdoor', pulsating through swirls of synth-laden deepness, crossing the boundaries between the ethereal and electronic realms.

That celestial touch is a thread that ties together all of Flunk's work, regardless of the path they take or the genre they explore. 'Climbing Kilimanjaro' fills the air with dust-flecked sonics, as sweeping strings and modulating synths glisten in the hazy sunlight. Elsewhere, listeners are led on an absorbing eyes-closed journeys through the melancholy, Scandinavian sonic magic of 'Noise' and the powerful, yearning, off-world 'I Think I Like You'.

On the album you'll also find two breathtaking covers. First, Flunk takes Massive Attack's classic and stamps their own distinctive mark on it. A sea of slow-motion synthesisers, sustained sliding guitars and reclining beats. Then, Nick Murphy aka Chet Faker's spellbinding song 'Message You At Midnight' reaches new stunning heights in Flunk's own signature way. Its delicate strings ebb and flow underneath Anja Øyen Vister's captivating vocals.

Drawing Take Me Places to its conclusion, the minimalistic 'Omens' sees the deftness of Bakke's acoustic guitar in perfect synergy with Vister's dreamlike voice. It's a poignant note to signal the final stop in their long-standing career. Demystifying the mystical, bringing a human touch and connection to the ethereal depths below, Flunk have spent the last 25 years considerately undertaking this albums namesake. A lifetime legacy of taking listeners to faraway worlds—places that will forever resonate deep within.


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