Subshine is the solo project of Ole Gundersen, the singer and front man of the Norwegian electronic pop-rock trio Blackroom. The new self-titled single is the first song to be released as this project.
Blackroom, and it’s predecessor Lorraine, rode a wave of success in the 2000’s, having a couple of hit singles in the UK and touring with major acts like Pet Shop Boys and a-ha. Lorraine started out as 80s influenced synth-rock, but over time, shifted more to synth-pop. By the time they transformed into Blackroom, they were firmly entrenched in electronic dance-pop. You’ll still hear influences of New Order & Pet Shop Boys in their music, but there is also a distinctly modern edge to what they do.
With Subshine, Gundersen is referencing the clubby dance pop of the early 90s. At times, I can hear echoes of bands like The Beloved and Electronic, but Gundersen doesn’t linger there too long. The song still feels of today. He describes his music as “heartfelt and disposable.” I think he’s selling himself a bit short there. He’s got the heartfelt part right, but I believe a better word than disposable would be consumable. It’s not a throwaway track – it holds up to repeat listening and has an infectious groove that definitely makes me want to hear more from him.
Subshine is available for download on iTunes, Amazon, & Google Play; streaming on Spotify & Soundcloud. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.