Album Review: "As Opposed To" by Ingrid Kyllo – A Raw Acoustic Rock Gem from Norway
Ingrid Kyllo’s As Opposed To isn’t your typical rock album. Hailing from Norway and released under the Not On Label banner, this acoustic-driven project feels like a quiet rebellion against the polished norms of modern music. It’s stripped-down, unapologetically honest, and refreshingly human. The record leans into its acoustic roots while still packing enough grit to remind you it’s rock at heart.
Two tracks that really stuck with me are “Love Song” and “Makes Me Glad.” Let’s start with “Love Song.” Don’t let the title fool ya—it’s not some sappy ballad. Instead, it’s raw and kinda haunting. Kyllo’s voice has this smoky quality that pulls you in, like she’s telling you a secret you weren’t supposed to hear. The guitar work is simple but deliberate, leaving space for her lyrics to breathe. And those lyrics? They hit hard without trying too hard, which is rare these days. You can tell she wrote this one late at night, maybe after one too many cups of coffee.
Then there’s “Makes Me Glad,” which flips the vibe entirely. This track feels warmer, almost like a hug in song form. It’s got this gentle rhythm that sneaks up on you, and before you know it, you’re humming along. What makes it memorable is how effortlessly joyful it feels—like Kyllo found a way to bottle sunshine and pour it into a melody. There’s no overthinking here; just pure, unfiltered happiness wrapped in acoustic chords.
The rest of the album follows suit, blending introspective moments with bursts of light. Tracks like the titular “As Opposed To” showcase her knack for storytelling, weaving narratives that feel both personal and universal. She doesn’t try to impress you with flashy production or overly complex arrangements—and honestly? That’s what makes it so good. It’s real. Like, sit-on-a-porch-real.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say some listeners might crave more variety in tempo across the album. But honestly, that minimalism works in its favor. It forces you to focus on the details—the cracks in her voice, the subtle strumming patterns, the pauses between words. Those little imperfections? They’re what make As Opposed To shine.
Here’s the thing about this album: it doesn’t demand your attention. It earns it. Listening to it feels like stumbling upon an old diary or finding a handwritten note tucked inside a book. It’s intimate, vulnerable, and completely devoid of pretense.
And hey, fun fact—if you listen closely during “Makes Me Glad,” you can hear what sounds suspiciously like a chair creaking in the background. Most artists would’ve edited that out, but not Kyllo. She leaves it in, reminding us that even the smallest, most ordinary sounds have their place in the music we love.
So yeah, give As Opposed To a spin if you’re looking for something that feels authentic and alive. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself hitting replay more times than you expected.
