Half Empty

Description

Half Empty is the new album from The Little Hands of Asphalt; their first output in almost a decade. The album will be released in 5 parts: 5 pairs of singles followed by a full vinyl release from Fika Recordings in the UK and Furuberget in Norway. The band picks up the thread where they left off; low-key pearls with hints of indie and Americana, but primarily classic, timeless pop. Lyseid elaborates on the influences for the album: I think the usual suspects that always get referred to are still pre-sent: Elliot Smith, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Bright Eyes. However, what informed this record stylistically is more my love for other artists and genres: 60s crooning (Scott Walker, Sinatra), European art pop (Serge Gainsbourg, Can), modern Nashville country and 90s (Swedish) power pop. The Little Hands of Asphalt is the solo project of Sjur Lyseid, whom released two records and a couple of EPs under the same moniker back in 2009-2012. The name is a play on Elvis Costellos liner note credits on Kings of America: The Little Hands of Concrete. The name has stuck as the project has evolved; despite once being mistaken for a road building crew on arrival to a Norwegian festival! The album, Floors, from 2012, received critical acclaim in Lyseids home of Norway, and was voted the sixth best rec-ord of the year in the Norwegian national newspaper VG. Press praised Lyseids melodic qualities; and was been fre-quently highlighted as one of Norways sharpest songwriters in English. The band toured most major festivals in Nor-way, and a lot on the continent. Since then, the project has been quiet, and Lyseid has primarily worked as a producer and songwriter for other artists at his Six Feet Over studios in Oslo. Now hes back in front of the glass, with what may be the projects strongest songs ever. There are numerous guest appearances through the record, including Allo Darlins Elizabeth Morris on No Reception, and members of Jaga Jazzist, Sunturns, Moddi, Making Marks and Apothek all contribute throughout the LP.