Norwegian duo Smerz, composed of Catharina Stoltenberg and Henriette Motzfeldt, have carved out a distinct space in contemporary music. From the early days of their 2016 Okey EP to the immersive world of 2021’s Believer, their work effortlessly blends avant-pop, trance, classical composition, and sampled beats into a sound that feels both instinctive and exploratory. Their creative reach extends far beyond their own music, from curating an eclectic NTS Radio residency to composing for theater and even collaborating on projects like NewJeans’ excellent Get Up EP.
Their latest release, “A thousand lies,” marks their first offering on Copenhagen’s Escho label since Okey, and it’s a mesmerizing return. The track drifts between reverberant piano riffs and looping electronic textures, with Smerz’s signature vocals layering like an intimate conversation. At its core, the song contemplates the intricate dynamics of companionship—where truth and perception blur, and meaning is found in the spaces between. It’s hypnotic, emotive, and unmistakably Smerz.
Accompanying the single is a video that feels just as intimate as the track itself. Filmed during a New Year’s road trip with longtime friends and collaborators Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø, it captures the quiet, transitional magic of entering a new year. The visuals reflect the intangible moments that shape memory, reinforcing the dreamlike quality of “A thousand lies.” With this release, Smerz once again proves their ability to create immersive worlds where music and storytelling intertwine seamlessly.
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