Album Review: Erlend Øye - Legao

Norwegian musician Erlend Øye’s second solo album flows gently like an autumn leaf down a stream. Legao was recorded with Icelandic reggae band Hjálmar, who detail songs Peng Pong and Rainman with delicate instrumentation and the relaxed rhythms of lovers’ rock. Øye’s understated songwriting is strongest during the album’s quieter moments. “You’re unable to take it all in without wanting to change something,” he sings on Save Some Loving. His lyrics are the musical equivalent of Van Gogh paintings. The album seems crowded with instrumentation at times, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.