The Light Coming Through by Permafrost – Album Review
By Ellie Victor
For many, Norwegian rock still conjures images of black metal’s icy ferocity, but Permafrost’s debut album, The Light Coming Through demands a change of perception. Hailing from the coastal town of Molde, this Nordic-British quartet offers a mesmerising blend of post-punk nostalgia and modern sensibilities, proving they’re from an entirely different musical horizon.
Instrumental opener, “Intro,” is an instant dreamscape, reminiscent of The Cure at their most emotionally expansive. With shimmering choral synths and melodic basslines pushed to the front, the tone is set for an album that balances brooding darkness with radiant hope.
“Femme Fatale” is an early standout that nods to Martin Phillipps’ The Chills with lyrical wit and infectious energy before “Care” channels Manchester’s Chameleons, delivering a naggingly insistent rhythmic earworm.
Permafrost, 2024
image: Eiril Osen Waerdahl
“Glistening”
Slowie “Come Back to Surprise” is an atmospheric eighties throwback. Its haunting structure—building and fading repeatedly—evokes the melancholy of early Goth rock. The vulnerability in Kåre Steinsbu’s baritone captures the heartache of longing, with rumbling drums and delicate synths adding a downbeat sheen.
“Lights Out” serves as the album’s rebel yell, combining primal basslines with razor-sharp guitar work. It’s a powerful anthem for resilience, with lyrics that highlight the struggle of pushing forward in dire circumstances. Meanwhile, “Wrong Heart” channels New Order’s Low-Life-era brilliance with its glistening keys and pulsating rhythms.
“Closed Eyes” is another gem, opening with arpeggios that evoke New Order’s “Ceremony.” Its icy synths and despairing vocals make it a quintessential slice of Permafrost’s sonic identity. Finally, the album closes with “Ultimo August,” a track that rivals Whipping Boy’s lost epic “Twinkle” in its razor-sharp emotional rock. Driven by intricate guitar work and anthemic basslines, it captures the essence of the band’s melancholic optimism, blending despair with a sense of possibility.
“Widescreen”
Throughout The Light Coming Through, melodies soar, underpinned by Steinsbu’s commanding baritone, though his delivery might benefit from occasional lighter shading to contrast the album’s atmospheric depth.
While the album leans heavily into its widescreen, retro-rock influences, Interpol and Editors influences show it’s not merely a revivalist effort. Instead, Permafrost’s music feels lived-in and authentic. Indeed it’s been a long journey for the band, but they have the sonic confidence of veterans.
Here’s a record that demands to be heard, both for its nostalgic nods and forward-thinking excellence.
8/10
Ellie has spent over three decades dissecting riffs, rhythms, and rockstar egos, all in pursuit of the perfect review. Her music writing journey began at 12 with a glowing 10/10 diary entry for Echo and the Bunnymen, and she’s been chasing that high ever since. Armed with encyclopaedic knowledge and a soft spot for the sonically daring, Ellie will review anything that’s in front of her – as long as it’s on vinyl.
