Is this really normal? If so, then before this record, normality was never this funny, sexy, knavish, elegant, and exquisite. GusGus, a collective of 8 people since Hafdis Huld's departure, certainly does trip-hop and electronica. But before you begin to draw comparisons between these Icelanders and Björk, they have their very unique and distinctive style, miles away from Björk's influence.
Their complex debut, Polydistortion, was a really magical promise which captivated the critics and the audience with a music that was sometimes close to funk ("Polyester Day," "Barry") and trip-hoppish themes full of special effects ("Believe," "Gun," "Cold Sweat"). This Is Normal does nothing but confirm the fact that we are hearing one of the most exquisite groups of the '90s, and of the next decade.
The trip-hoppish crafts that characterized Polydistortion are still there in catchy themes like "Teenage Sensation," "Snoozer," and "Blue Mug." GusGus alternates these tunes with other more danceable, and sometimes, even funkier ones like "Ladyshave," "Very Important People," "Acid Milk," and "Love Vs. Hate." They even permit some flirting with lush orchestral sounds in the beautiful and ethereal ballad "Bambi." If GusGus keeps walking this path of evolution, they promise to be one of the most influential bands of the early 21st century. This music is highly recommended due to its magic and uniqueness.
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