CARS AND CALORIES, “To The Extreme” and “Runner Up”
Never underestimate the power of Norwegians, especially when a song so riveting like a-ha’s “Take On Me” became the classic it deserved in 1985 and evermore. Other Norwegian acts that come to mind include M2M (featuring Marion Raven, who duetted with Meat Loaf on “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” in 2006), The Caesars (remember the iPod commercial set to “Jerk It Out”?), and Annie. Cars And Calories is a duo which has nothing in common with any of the above other than their native country. In fact upon hearing their songs you’re more apt to compare them to North American groups like Hot Chelle Rae, All Time Low, or Neon Trees, with emphasis on power(ful) synths. Michael Markussen and Jim André Bergsted comprise the duo, who perform “To The Extreme” equivalent to making power pop on the side of a cliff, whereas “Runner Up” (which I somehow didn’t write about last Fall) puts its heart right out on its sleeve still frantically beating. With a marvelous international cadre of help to put the pieces together behind the scenes, Cars And Calories creates music that stands out with full intent on leaving its mark behind. a-ha are in very good company indeed 🙂
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