Hailing from Kongsberg in southern Norway, Hanne Hukkelberg displays some of the same kinds of vocal and musical idiosyncrasies that make Björk, Stina Nordenstein, or Joanna Newsom such singular and often divisive talents. 'Blood From A Stone' is Hukkelberg's third album and in contrast with its 2007 predecessor 'Rykestrasse 68', which was conceived and created in an ever bustling Berlin, 'Blood From A Stone' was written during a seven month retreat in a tiny coastal village on the island of Senja in the far north of Norway. Perhaps unexpectedly, this quiet conception has led to a noisier, more energetic pop album, full of epic soaring tunes and glorious melodic soundscapes, but with more than a hint of perfect other-worldly darkness and mystery to it. Fashioned in a uniquely rocking way from all kinds of unusual instrumentation and field-recordings, ranging from school desks, train doors, seagulls' calls and a host of household appliances and utensils, the album works its magic with layers of rhythm and sound, with Hukkelberg forming her often subtly dark and ominous, yet always beautifully soaring songs from deep wells of percussion, guitar, mysterious, mystical noise and multi-layered vocalisations and singing. From the slowly building opening strains of "Midnight Sun Dream" to the climactic epic grandeur of Norwegian-sung album closer "Bygd Gone By", 'Blood From A Stone' is an utterly enthralling and singularly beautiful accomplishment.'Blood From A Stone' is released on Nettwerk on 20th April 2009.
Hanne Hukkelberg
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