Bang Gang
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Bang Gang
- Genres: Rock
Biography
Bang Gang is the nom de band of the idiosyncratic Icelandic producer, songwriter, and vocalist Barði Jóhannsson, who started recording under the name in the late '90s. Bang Gang's sound proved to be as enigmatic as its helmsman, fusing together Montt Mardié-esque falsetto-driven indie pop and atmospheric, Portishead-like electronica. Jóhannsson is often joined by vocalists Esther Talia Casey, M83's Anthony Gonzalez, and Keren Ann on his Bang Gang recordings; Keren Ann and Jóhannsson also work together as Lady & Bird. Bang Gang had its big break while performing at the Midem Festival, where the project caught the attention of a rep from East-West France with the song "Sleep." Jóhannsson was hustled into the studio and his first single, "So Alone?," was released in the summer of 1999. The single was a hit on the Icelandic charts, and the song's popularity on Icelandic radio launched it into rotation on MTV Europe. Bang Gang's debut album, You, was released one year later. Jóhannsson spent the next two years working on various projects; in addition to recording more Bang Gang material, he also wrote and produced songs for other artists and developed a TV show for the Screen One channel. Bang Gang's second album, Something Wrong, hit stores in 2003. Bang Gang moved to Cod Records for its third full-length, Ghosts from the Past, which was released in France in 2008. ~ Margaret Reges, RoviRelated Videos:
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Bang Gang
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Bang Gang
| Bang Gang | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Reykjavík, Iceland |
| Genres | Trip hop, Indie pop, Electronic, Downtempo, Shoegaze |
| Years active | 1996 – present |
| Labels | Sproti Bang ehf EMI Cod Music From Nowhere Records Discograph |
| Associated acts | Lady and Bird Singapore Sling |
| Members | |
| Barði Jóhannson | |
| Past members | |
| Henrik Baldvin Björnsson Esther Talia Casey |
|
| Notable instruments | |
| Guitar | |
Bang Gang is a melodic pop band from Iceland founded by songwriter/producer Bardi Johannsson (see also Lady & Bird). The band was formed in 1996, in Johannsson’s hometown of Reykjavik. Bang Gang were initially a surf band but Johannsson quickly steered the project in a more melodic pop direction.
While Johannsson has worked with a number of vocalists and musicians, he remains the only constant member. The band's second album Something Wrong followed in 2003 and their acclaimed Ghosts From The Past was released on Discograph in 2008.
The band is recognized for its blend of songwriting, electronica and glacial atmospheres. The band has toured the world playing festivals like Iceland Airwaves, Cannes Film festival, Novosonic, For Noise, Montreaux Jazz Festival, CMJ and SXSW and a number of independent shows at venues such as Salle Pleyel, Gramercy theater, Getty Center and more across Europe and North America.
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Contents
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Albums
You (1998)
When Bjornsson left Bang Gang, Johannsson and Talia Casey continued working together under the Bang Gang name. Their first song was used on the soundtrack of Icelandic movie Blossi 810551. Their second, "Sleep", was recorded for a compilation released by Sproti Records and was used for a Citroen campaign.
The single "Sleep" was released in 1998 and featured a video by director Ragnar Bragason.
Their first album, You, was released in Iceland in 1998 to almost unanimous praise.[citation needed] The band signed a deal with East-West France, who released You in 2000. The French version featured remixes by French musician Kid Loco.
Bang Gang’s second single Sacred Things became a hit in Iceland and Europe.[citation needed]
Something Wrong (2003)
Something Wrong was the follow up to 2000’s You. The album was released in 2003 as a follow up on 2002’s untitled EP. It features Bang Gang's distinctive mix of atmospheric songwriting and haunting electronica and features vocal performances from Nicolette, Phoebe Tolmer, Esther, GusGus vocalist Daniel Agust Haraldsson and long-term collaborator Keren Ann.
Various songs from Something Wrong were used for TV, film and other media. For example the song "Follow" was used in Fox TV show The O.C.; "Inside" was used for an Emporio Armani advertisement and was featured in the movie Cashback and the trailer for the film Triage; and "Find What You Get" has been used in commercials for the car Lancia Musa.
Ghosts from the Past (2008)
Ghosts from the Past was Bang Gang’s third album. The album features vocalists and co-writers Keren Ann and Anthony Gonzales (M83). The album features pop rock singles "I Know You Sleep", "Don't Feel Ashamed" and included an opera singer on the title track. The song "Lost in Wonderland" was used for the Oscar season trailer at Sky Movies.
Discography
- You (1998)
- Something Wrong (2003)
- Ghosts from the Past (2008)
References
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