She’s young, punk and probably the number one hyped Norwegian artist this year. And rightfully so, because although it is not particularly unique 24 year-old Ida Maria Børli Sivertsen offers plenty on her raucous, punk-pop first effort.

It feels and sounds like a full blown teenage rebellion against her upbringing in small town Nesna by her teacher and devout Christian parents, who didn’t allow Christmas presents, boyfriends or curtains (the latter apparently a luxury and luxuries spoil you, as she explains in this interview), as she powers her way through 10 songs dealing with sex, self-doubt – often two sides of the same matter – God and being completely wasted.

Kicking off with the existential hammer ‘Oh My God’, frantically challenging anyone to “find a cure for my life”, ‘Fortress Round My Heart’ is an effective batch of catchy choruses and high octane rock, reaching impeccable highs in single ‘I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked’, ‘Morning Light’ contemplating the clash between good ideas of a drunken night and reality come sober morning and ‘Queen Of The World’’s exuberant celebration of being smashed and letting go of the strains in life (“Let me stay like this”), all topped by Ida Maria’s convincingly hoarse vocal.

Genre: Rock
Who: Ida Maria
Title: Fortress Round My Heart
Label: Waterfall Records/Universal
Year: 2008
Country: Norway
Language: English
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Recommended tracks:
Oh My God – I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked – Morning Light – Queen Of The World

BONUS:
‘I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked’ remixed by British electro house duo Jack Rokka aka Steve Cornish and Nick Mace (also known as Digital Dog).

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