I’m so drawn to Jenny Marie Sabel’s warm, tender voice. The Konradsen singer’s vocals evoke comfort and coziness, almost without fail. It holds true at the start of the Norwegian folk-pop band’s new song “Efficiency.” But despite doing one thing exceptionally well, Konradsen can still surprise me sometimes. “Efficiency,” a collaboration with fellow Oslo artist Beharie, takes a hard-edged, almost sinister turn partway through, as if to show the evils of the world creeping in on Konradsen’s soft sanctuary. By the end, that noise has subsided, and we’re back to cocooning ourselves in beauty.<\/p>\n
Konradsen wrote “Efficiency” while composing a short film, in response to a request for something “slightly souly” in 6\/8. It was inspired by jazz singer Solveig Slettahjell’s version of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Borrowed Time.” A statement from the band:<\/p>\n
“Efficiency” portrays a kind of love that isn\u2019t always immediate or all-consuming, but one that endures nonetheless \u2014 a relationship where time, patience, and a willingness to see the beauty in each other\u2019s imperfections are essential. It touches on a phase many people recognize: when the distance between two people can feel greater than before, yet the bond remains strong.<\/p>\n