Album Review: "Singles" by Bats Of Congress
Alright, so let’s talk about Singles, the 2017 album from Norway’s own Bats Of Congress. It’s a mix of pop and rock vibes, brought to life by some seriously talented folks under the Anti Music label. The whole thing feels like that one friend who’s equal parts chill and wild—easy to vibe with but still full of surprises.
First off, shoutout to the lineup here. You’ve got Rudi Nikolaisen on bass (and producing duties), Aleksander Kostopoulos smashing the drums, Frank Cock pulling double duty on guitar and keys, and Tone Beathe Pedersen killing it on vocals. Oh, and props to Ariel Sivertsen for mastering and mixing this baby—it sounds crisp without being overly polished, which is kinda perfect for what they’re going for.
Now, onto the tracks. There are four songs in total, but I wanna zoom in on two that stuck with me: “Jaqueline” and “Last Turn Before Fall.”
“Jaqueline” hits you right away with its punchy rhythm and these dreamy keyboard layers. Like, imagine cruising down an empty road at sunset—that’s the mood this track sets. Tone’s vocals have this raw edge to them, not too clean or overproduced, which makes it feel real. And those little guitar riffs? They sneak up on you when you least expect it, adding just enough grit to keep things interesting. Honestly, it’s the kind of song you’d throw on repeat during a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Then there’s “Last Turn Before Fall,” which flips the script completely. This one’s darker, heavier, almost like the band decided to channel their inner angst monster. The drumming is straight-up hypnotic, driving the whole thing forward while the guitars weave in and out like shadows. It’s dramatic as hell, but in a good way—you know, the kind of drama that makes you want to stare out a rainy window and pretend you’re in a movie.
The other two tracks, “The Repentance” and “Pictures Of Me And You,” round out the album nicely, but they didn’t stick in my brain quite like these first two did. Still solid though—no skips here.
What’s cool about Singles is how unapologetically human it feels. Nothing’s overly shiny or trying too hard to impress. Instead, it’s like hanging out with old friends who just happen to be really good musicians.
Here’s the random thought to end this review: listening to this album made me wonder if bats actually do hold meetings in caves. Like, do they ever argue about whose turn it is to bring snacks? If so, maybe Bats Of Congress should write a follow-up album about bat politics. Now THAT would be something.
Anyway, give Singles a spin if you’re into music that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still packs a punch. These guys might fly under the radar, but trust me—they’re worth your time.
