Sondre Lerche - Two Way Monologue

Norway’s Sondre Lerche didn’t do himself any favors claiming to be a huge fan of compatriots A-ha, the mid-80s trio famous for the cheesy synth-pop hit “Take on Me.” Lerche’s pop pastiche on his sophomore CD is more sophisticated and diverse, evoking the Beatles (“It’s Over”), Burt Bacharach (“Days That are Over”) and Brian Wilson (“Wet Ground”). Some will compare him to Rufus Wainwright, but Lerche’s work, while inventive and dreamy, is lightweight stuff next to Rufus’ grandiose pop symphonies.