Oslo, Norway-based pop singer songwriter ST. NIKLAS has been delighting us with his music since he first came to our attention last summer. Following two single shares, it was about time I blogged about his recently released EP. A vulnerable collection of five tracks, it’s called habits of a complex mind.

By Graeme Smith

In recent years, a generation has come up and discovered some of the gems of ’80s pop culture. ST. NIKLAS is proudly one of them. With a love of analogue synths and John Hughes movies, he’s taken those influences and pushed them through his modern lens to create this unique EP.

It opens with a heart of doubt and it’s a slow-burning start. Brooding layers underpin emotional vocals as things gradually build to an epic and heart-breaking crescendo where bright notes swirl with moments of uncertainty. It’s the perfect way to tee up the mood of this EP.

No one else has a simmering arrangement and lyrics that will transport you. Its chorus is ST. NIKLAS at his catchiest. Comfy is a track we’ve featured before on these pages, and a beautiful team up with Bergen artist DØSSI. It canters along pleasingly – you’ll be moving with it, and the pair’s voices work nicely together. It’s a highlight.

Okay sees things take an acoustic detour, and tells the story of a fight right while the feelings are still raw. It’s ST. NIKLAS at his most vulnerable. The collection is rounded off by its focus track, antidote. The first song ST. NIKLAS ever finished it perhaps best demonstrates his love for the ’80s. Minimal, electronic percussion and big synths create the soundscape to an epic chorus. It’s one for the prom slow dance and another highlight.

ST. NIKLAS is fast becoming an important voice for his generation and further proof, if we needed it, of Scandinavia’s musical pedigree. His music is simply a must listen. You can check out habits of a complex mind below.