I wish I had more information to give you about Ida Maria (pronounced Eee-duh Mah-ree-yah, not that this information is terribly important). But for some reason, US audiences have been extremely slow picking up on this awesome new singer from Norway. She blends the best of PJ Harvey’s vocal style with the countless number of poppy, upbeat indie-rock bands. Her versatile voice can float up with the catchiest of melodies or it can growl with the best of cigarettes-and-whiskey-fueled troubadours. If you can imagine a female, less frightening Tom Waits, you are heading down the right path.
Ida Maria’s latest album was released in May in the UK, however I’m not sure if and when Fortress Round My Heart will be coming out on our side of the pond. But don’t let that stop you from using your own methods for obtaining the album. The music is widely available on the internet and it is well worth checking out. Every song is undeniably catchy, and while this isn’t groundbreaking stuff, you have 10 worthy songs for your summer road trip play list. Highlights for me include the first single, “Oh My God,” which I heard once on Sirius radio, never to hear it there again. But it was memorable enough to spur me to find out more about the artist. Also listen to “Stella” and “Louie.” Well worth a 2 minute search on hypem.com, everyone’s favorite music blog aggregator.
