Inuuro drops brand new album

Norwegian trio Inuuro have been shaping their own distinct corner of the alternative music landscape for over a decade. Formed in 2012 by producers Alexander, Oskar and Ludvig in Stavanger, the group have built a body of work that flows freely across genres, blending ambient textures, post rock crescendos, dreamy electronics and folk style tinges into a sound that feels at once organic and cinematic.

Their background lies in the hazy interplay of melody and atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the likes of Tycho, Vincenzo and Teen Daze. Inuuro first caught attention with their debut single “Nostalgic People” in 2013 before releasing their debut full-length Heralds of Growth the following year. The album not only showcased their fiercely original sound but also saw their track “Redwood” featured in the hit Norwegian TV show Unge Lovende, confirming their status in the local music scene.

After linking up with fellow Norwegian producer Zimpzon for the collaborative Air EP in 2016, Inuuro focused on selected live performances including a notable support slot on the Odesza and Slow Magic Set It Off tour. With their sophomore LP, Vantage Point, landing in 2022 and a string of singles and remixes released since then, Inuuro now brings us their latest release with the brand new third record titled Pacific Northwest, a project that reflects 13 years of friendship and musical exploration. Inspired by the awe-inspiring landscapes of the northwestern American continent, the album presets a fully-formed sonic environment, crafted to be experienced as much as listened to.

As always, Inuuro’s genre-fluid ethos is at the heart of the record, where ambient soundscapes blend with downtempo grooves, indie electronica and subtle hints of folk and post rock. The result is a fluid, immersive listen that mirrors the natural world it draws from; expansive, unpredictable and deeply atmospheric.

Opened by title track “Pacific Northwest,” the bright flutter of lilting synth tones is met by gently moving basslines before the shuffle of drums ushers in a slick electronic groove. Flowing with intricate guitar notes and airy sonic textures, it’s a stunning display of Inuuro’s immersive indietronic instrumental sound, delivering an energising soundscape that glides with breezy melodies and tight rhythms.

“North Cascades” slips into a dreamy scene of light guitar flickers before the rattle of driving drums injects a lively energy and brings the arrangement into sharp focus. Capped by mesmeric lead melodies and progressing through enveloping a passage of stripped-back aesthetic, it’s an engaging jam that deftly balances euphoric vibes with exhilarating energy.

With “Cannon Beach,” their folk inspirations subtly shine through on a track that softly floats with warm, acoustic textures and misty sonic atmosphere. With the mellow taps of percussion adding a delicate rhythmic anchor, the track offers an absorbing slice of uplifting composition and charming sound. Other highlights on the record includes songs like “Fading Embers” with its moody bubbling bass tones offset by the brighter lead flourishes and sweeping tones. With the steady strike of drums and splashing cymbals, the hazy instrumental soundscape takes flight and builds towards an anthemic conclusion that’s at once hypnotic and brushed with intensity.

“Above The Treeline” jumps straight into a steady groove of pulsing kick and spacey, processed textures peppered with dashes of vibrant tones and twinkling instrumentation. Rising to a dance-focused energy, the snap of drums maintains a rigid rhythm while swirling musical touches keep the track in a constant state of flux. Closing the album with “Spring,” the band serves up one final showcase of their arresting sound with a brief and elegant instrumental piece that stitches softly twanging guitar notes, lush vocalisations and atmosphere into a dreamy musical fabric to offer a dazzling finale to their sensational third record.

Listen to Pacific Northwest below