The Norwegian new wave band a-ha (“Take On Me”) released their latest album “True North” on Oct. 21, following a short film of the same name released last month. Both were recorded and shot with the Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra last year in Bodø, Norway, and the results are beyond stunning.
In an interview done with Virgin Radio UK, keyboardist and guitarist Magne Furuholmen said the idea to create an accompanying hour-long film came from watching Bruce Springsteen’s (“Born in the U.S.A.”) “Western Stars” which came out in 2019. Furuholmen said the album and film combination is meant to be a “musical letter from our home country.” Any time a band releases both music and film content, it truly is a gift from the heart.
While a-ha is best known for their super-hit “Take On Me” from 1985, they have proven themselves to be more than that with “True North.” The new album is a far cry from their more well-known commercial hits, but that does not mean it is any less deserving of respect.
Themes of rain and nature have been prominent throughout the band’s discography, so it is fitting that a-ha created a film-album duo heavy with the sound of crashing waves. There are some instrumental moments happening here or there, if only in a different key, acting as ghosts of the band’s bubblebum synth pop past.
It is difficult to pick a favorite song from the album. The first track titled “I’m In” sounds akin to something Coldplay (“A Sky Full of Stars”) or U2 (“Sunday Bloody Sunday”) might put out, but that is not what makes it special. The sounds of the orchestra are deep and guttural, pulling listeners out of the lull created in the first half of the song. Lead singer Morten Harket still has the same perfect velvety voice as he did decades ago, and the band’s performance in tandem with the orchestra’s shows how well the band has aged since their glory days.
Each song is completely different from the last, leaving no room for “been there done that” accusations. “Make Me Understand” seems to call back to their older style with a quick tempo and bouncy tunes, whereas “Hunter in the Hills” sounds like it were plucked straight from a Studio Ghibli movie. Keyboard notes sparkle as the string and brass sections remind you that yes, a-ha collaborated with an orchestra, and it worked out incredibly well. The addition of so many more instruments has unlocked a side of a-ha not seen before, allowing the group to create a more full-bodied and melancholy sound.
Where some bands may struggle to execute the correct balance between folksy acoustic guitar and a violin section, a-ha is instead at their most powerful. You may notice that this album is not too heavy on percussion, but such a progression makes sense for a group like them. a-ha makes music without tethering themselves to the expectations of the Billboard Hot 100 and that is part of what makes them strong.
This album may not be the next chart topper, but that does not matter. “True North” is a collection of the perfect songs to be played in your therapist’s office, or while you lay on the floor in Child’s Pose. It sounds exactly like what a musical letter from Norway would sound like. Give it a chance.
Image via a-ha via YouTube
