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After a prolonged period of inactivity, the pair reconvened in Mexico to play their first show in two years, where Declaration of Dependence was gestated (on the very beach that features on the album cover, in fact). Its title aims to set right the bad press ‘dependence’ often receives, reflecting the fruitful working relationship the duo share. More than that, it also addresses the perils of the modern age: the plethora of options and opportunity surrounding us that threatens to engulf and consume as much as it does amuse and enlighten.
Of course, such worldly cogitation doesn’t fall squarely under the ‘nice’ bracket, and this record (the band’s third) boasts enough twists and turns to elevate it far above the banal. The sparse pleas of Renegade – and its haunting parting shot – are memorable and affecting, while the sedate arpeggios of album closer Scars on Land resonate long after it ceases to play. A distinctive bossa nova streak also runs through the album, making its presence felt early in the delightful Mrs. Cold and culminating on the whimsical Freedom and Its Owner.
Riot on an Empty Street also features, an evocative number dating back to 2001, forming a perpetual thorn in the duo’s side in terms of recording the thing. It’s gorgeous, but no more so than 24-25, which opens proceedings: a serene jam where Bøe and Øye’s gossamer harmonies entwine around each other with nimble grace.
It sets a high precedent, and one that Declaration of Dependence emphatically lives up to. Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay Kings of Convenience in 2009 is that for an act whose success stems directly from their effortlessly intuitive style, they’ve never sounded quite as effortless – or as intuitive – as they do here.
Heck, your parents will probably like it too. --James Skinner
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CD Description
As beautiful as you would expect–-and songs like "Second to Numb", "Rule My World" and "24-25" are as perfectly realised as anything they’ve ever written-–Declaration of Dependence also marks the beginning of a new era for the duo. The record began to take shape in February 2007 when they met up on the same beach in Mexico that is pictured on the album's cover. The pair came together to play a concert in the city the following month, the first time they had appeared together in more than two years. They shared a feeling that there was another record to be made. “Really,” says Eirik “We had no choice.”
Declaration of Dependence is the story of two people living two very different lives sensing that they are immensely more powerful together than apart. In that sense it is the most adult, the most mature record Kings of Convenience have ever made. That it is their most gripping, their most revealing is, if anything, just a by-product of that honesty and their endeavour.
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Customer Reviews
In many respect this album is very similar to the two previous ones. '24-25' and 'Mrs Cold' set the tone and high standard. 'Renegade' was my favourite song from the gig. It's powerful emotional lyric is truly haunting.
Kings of Convenience are an amazing band whose genius is sadly largely unknown. This album was well worth waiting for and I hope we don't have to wait another 4 years for the next.
I'm relieved and inspired that the Kings have maintained their quality, and the voices are as rich and as blended here with their rich guitars as ever.
The understatement wields a deft balance, and the inclusion of higher vocals in places - Me in You - makes you catch your breath again.
I just wish there was still more... more light, atmospheric rhythms and more light touches.
That's a hallmark of a good album though .. and hopefully, there will be...
Continuing to prove that quiet is still the best loud. And right up there next to my Laura Veirs and Embertime ;) albums...
It's amazing how rich a sound two acoustic guitars and two voices can produce . The mood here varies from happy ( " Boat Behind " ) to melancholic ( " Me In You " ) to zen-like ( the hypnotic " Scars On Land " ) while the band gives it's listeners lyrics that can be heartbreakingly beautiful ( " ...dreams burn but in ashes are gold " ) or playful and witty ( " we got four eyes so why yearn for one prespective ?.. " they ask , celebrating freedom of thought ) .
This might not be anybody's thing . Rebelious teenagers for example would probably seek for something angrier . This doesn't change the fact though that this is top quality songwritting . People who have enjoyed current pop folk artists before , people who cherished the work of let's say , Tracy Chapman , Suzanne Vega , Feist ofcourse , Jens Lakeman , Jack Johnson and Josh Rouse , will be delighted with this piece of music so well-crafted as an antique classic violin
The 2 voices are working great together making one harmonious sound. Read more
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