After a rejuvenating summer, the rising Norwegian/Scottish alt-pop duo amilost are back in the spotlight with their latest single, ‘Tiny War’ released via Icons Creating Evil Art.
While amilost first captivated listeners with their unique blend of Scandinavian pop and cinematic grandeur in 2022, ‘Tiny War’ represents a return to the raw, vulnerable sound that originally defined the duo. Centered around themes of heartbreak and personal transformation, the single, largely driven by delicate piano, gradually builds into a swirl of ethereal strings, delicate acoustic guitar and electronic layers. Comparable to Birdy the single is at once commercial through its pop melodies and also cinematic and expansive through its rich and alternative musical ideas and electronic undertones.
The song takes an emotional journey, beginning with tender balladry before crescendoing into the soaring final chorus as punching drums and soaring ditorted vocals deliver infectious melodies and a driving sense of energy.
Lead vocalist Sigrid Zeiner repeats the evocative refrain, “I don’t know how to love you anymore,” a line that mirrors the intense personal turmoil she experienced while writing the song. As instrumentalist Ross Leslie explains, “It was written on the day Sigrid broke up with her boyfriend.” Sigrid adds, “Tiny War is about the end of a relationship. It’s about trying everything to make it work, including changing yourself so much that you almost don’t recognise who you are anymore. In the end, you realize that you have to let it go.”
Since releasing their debut EP Introspective Souvenirs, the London-based duo have steadily grown their following. Tracks from the EP earned them placements on major editorial playlists, including Apple Music’s New Music Daily and Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Pop and New Music Friday. Their debut single “Pillowside” achieved significant radio play, notably on Norway’s NRK P3, where it was playlisted and received over 500 spins. This early success paved the way for high-profile performances, including Norway’s industry showcase by:Larm, a support slot for Tom Speight at Islington Assembly Hall, and a sold-out show with Murdo Mitchell at Omera.
Listen below:
