There’s clearly something in the water up in the Faroe Islands, as its musical scene is punching well above its weight.

By Graeme Smith

In recent times I’ve shared music by Dania O. Tausen and Jazzygold, both acts based on the remote islands, and now I can add a third – experimental rap-punk collective AGGRASOPPAR. They’ve just released a new EP called MIDNÁTTARSANG which translates in English as “midnightsong”.

Like with Dania, AGGRASOPPAR have released two EPs that together make up the two halves of a wider story. The first half døgurðaslang (or “lunch-nap”) came out last summer and was a soft and nostalgic affair. MIDNÁTTARSANG, by contrast, is darker, invoking the sense of a party that’s a little rough around the edges.

It’s no coincidence that Dania and AGGRASOPPAR have so much in common – she’s part of the band. Joined by Eyðfinn Bogason Lamhauge, and Trygvi Danielsen, they are something of a Faroese supergroup who have been performing together since 2020.

MIDNÁTTARSANG is an album defined by its indefinable aspects. Genre blends seamlessly, meaning it can’t be labelled as just one thing. In album opener 75 KM/T rapped verses play out over trip-hop elements in the instrumental. Licks of electric guitar suggest rock while the chorus is pure feelgood pop.

Its eight tracks come quick and fast, often only running for a minute a piece. They feel like bitesize vignettes or brief fever dreams. Hard-hitting tracks like PEANUTBUTTER & BANAN are tempered by laidback and moody moments like OMNACHEPANNEKÆK and TEKIN UPPÁ LÍV. Shared vocals keep things fresh and we are kept guessing what will come round the next musical corner.

MIDNÁTTARSANG is out now via Tutl Records and you can check it out below. If you like what you hear then good news, AGGRASOPPAR are coming to The Great Escape Festival in Brighton in May, so you can catch them live.