With summer knocking at the doorstep, I revisited one of my favorite Norwegian bands: Lemaitre (those Scandinavians get me every time). They consistently make electro tracks laced with a disco edge that just seems too perfect for those long nights ahead.
Off of their 2012 EP Relativity 1, Lemaitre’s track “Coffee Table” achieves a delightfully upbeat, modern disco sound through fast-paced, building synths and well-placed percussions. When the song slows and drops a more melancholic and discordant feel come through, however, the quick paced beats resurface and you can’t help but instinctually nod your head along.
I tried to understand these lyrics for a while. I’ve had the song on repeat for at least a day (I’m that dedicated). Here’s what I’ve found…you’re not going to be impressed: I think this song may actually just be about a coffee table. Pause for a second—mull that over. The muffled, distant vocals are definitely talking about a coffee table. The wood, the nails, even the coffee are mentioned. At the same time there’s no way this is actually just about a coffee table. There’s too much emotion in this song. Unless Lemaitre just really, really likes this coffee table (no judgement) there’s got to be something deeper.
I can understand however, that sometimes objects can ignite all sorts of nonsensical emotions and relationships within an individual. Just because the lyrics don’t come right out and tell a story does not mean that the track lacks great depth of emotion and sentiment. For me this song evoked that one of a kind feeling I get when I travel (and this isn’t situational, I’m currently just sitting in my bed). The excitement of traveling to a new place is always coupled with an odd sense of sadness that you’re leaving the memories of another place behind.
This summer I’m not sure of my travel plans, but I can guarantee that this track would be sneakily playing on my ipod as my flight takes off even though the stewardess has yelled at me three times for having my electronics out (sorry, but this plane is not going down because of me).
If you’re as obsessed with Lemaitre as I am we’re both in luck. Their newest EP, Revelation 2 (creative I know), is out TODAY! Check their website here, and while you’re at it also sneak a peek at their newest music video for their first single “Time To Realize” here. All the cool kids will be listening to this EP this summer and I don’t want you to be left behind. Call me the Mother Theresa of music.
