Following the infectious indie-pop rush of ‘High Horse (be gone)’ last autumn, Norway’s Rikke now unveils her deeply introspective new album ‘Not Even Air Can Come Btwn Us Now’. With a strong reputation for blending personal storytelling with lush, evocative soundscapes, Rikke returns with a record that is both an exploration of emotional resilience and a declaration of self-empowerment.
Across all eleven tracks, she explores the nuances of relationships, miscommunication, self-worth, and personal growth, offering a body of work that is both introspective and cathartic. From the poignant reflection of ‘Always A Part Of Me’, which sees her express gratitude for past relationships, to the quiet struggles of ‘We Collide’, a song that navigates how text-based communication can lead to misunderstandings, each track paints a vivid picture of emotional complexity. The album also takes a bold stance on standing up for oneself, whether through the sharp honesty of her impactful offering ‘High Horse (be gone)’, or the slow-burning gospel crescendo of ‘Circles’, examining the dangers of avoiding confrontation.
Rooted in both her Scandinavian heritage and London upbringing, Rikke’s music has been shaped by a broad array of influences, from Björk and Bon Iver to Fleetwood Mac and Aurora. Her intimate songwriting process often unfolds at her Oslo apartment, where she composes alone on a 100-year-old grand piano, giving her work this larger-than-life feel that is hard to fully define.
With a thoughtful balance of folk, indie-pop, and atmospheric storytelling, ‘Not Even Air Can Come Btwn Us Now’ stands as a manifesto for self-liberation, an invitation for us to embrace our own truths, and a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most profound connections we make are with ourselves.