Artist: Nordic Giants

File under: Cinematic post rock

Standout track: Shine 

See also: Sigur Ros, Cinematic Orchestra, Mogwai, I am the Architect, Stina Nordenstam

This week’s artist of the week is Brighton’s very own, Nordic Giants. Hidden behind feathered masks and effortlessly changing between instruments, the duo perform live original soundtracks to a backdrop of award winning short films. From dreamy ambient swells, epic builds and huge moments of power to a combination of dark, funny and beautiful short films, which can bring tears, smiles and actually scare you at times.

The fact that their music is accompanied by visuals makes the whole experience quite unique. Not that the Giants music can’t be enjoyed without the cinematic element, but it’s a far richer experience with it. As Shorts International, who the duo have teamed up with for the cinematic backdrop to their music, put it,  “Nordic Giants are truly a phenomenon. See them and you’ll be forced to create a whole new genre in the musical categories of your head.”

Whilst Shine, their debut single, is released tomorrow, don’t ignore ‘Through a Lens Darkly’, a dark and powerful masterpiece. It’s delicate and yet adrenaline fuelled with an epic crescendo where all of the instruments are fighting for attention and pulling you in different directions. Disturbingly brilliant music that, particularly when seen live, will leave you exhausted and in awe. Watch out for these guys, they will certainly produce some amazing things in the future.