“Svart frakk” (Black Coat) is the latest single from Norwegian duo BLAA, exploring the contrast between light and darkness through poetic lyrics and atmospheric folk-pop arrangements. Released on March 28, 2025, the song delves into the duality of human nature with its evocative opening line, “I’m the one in the black coat, I feel nothing.”

The composition showcases Mari Klingen’s warm, expressive vocals in her native Trøndelag dialect against Gisle Haaland’s delicate musical landscape. Haaland creates a rich sonic texture utilizing Fender Rhodes, celesta, melodeon, electric bass, and subtle vocal harmonies. The melodeon solo and harmonic progressions emerged organically in response to Klingen’s powerful lyrics.

This is BLAA’s first release of 2025 on gi faen records, continuing their distinctive approach of blending Norwegian folk traditions with contemporary elements. The single demonstrates their ability to create musical narratives where contrasts meet – feeling and numbness, hope and doubt, tradition and innovation. Through thoughtful arrangements and space-conscious production, they capture both the contemplative nature of self-reflection and the dynamic relationship between opposing emotional states.

“Svart frakk” serves as a musical exploration of the shadow self, portrayed as a figure in a black coat who wishes to extinguish the light and optimism embodied by the song’s protagonist. The composition precedes BLAA’s upcoming EP “Noko live,” set for release on May 25, 2025, featuring remastered versions of their 2015 live studio recordings.

Release year: 2025
Label: gi faen records
Cover photo/design: Mathilde Dorthea Landlie