Ludvig Moon's AA-side singles "Sparks/Houses at Night" are two sides of the same shimmering coin

30 August 2016, 11:00 | Written by Andrew Hannah

(Tracks)

Following on from their "Cult Baby" debut, Norwegian six-piece Ludvig Moon are back with not one, but two new singles in the shape of "Sparks" and "Houses at Night".

Singer Anders Killerud explains the double single, saying "we wanted to show two sides of the same story. The album is full of contrasts, especially when it comes to the lyrics. 'Sparks' is nostalgic and buoyant, while 'Houses at Night' is more into the claustrophobic and desperate.”

The first of the tracks, "Sparks", shares the same spirit as "Cult Baby" in that there's a celebratory atmosphere to proceedings. Powered by a bassline lifted (almost directly) from The Cure, "Sparks" is all about getting to the chorus where the track explodes in a hail of glittering harmonies, pounding drums and overdriven guitars. Once again, Ludvig Moon have gone small-scale epic.

On "Houses at Night" we find the band in more introspective mode; a circular drum pattern prowls around the track, creating a despairing feeling which is only enhanced by a chorus which - while anthemic - craves the relief of release which never quite comes.

"Sparks/Houses at Night" is out tomorrow via Riot Factory, with debut album Kin to follow soon.