Album Review: Razika - Program 91

European chanteuses have always pulled off the twee, chirpy vocal with great aplomb (think Bjork, Soko, First Aid Kit). In recent times, it's almost unheard of for this to exist in a band format. Now along comes Norwegian all-girl four-piece Razika, brandishing those same vintage, pastel-hued vocals but wielding a delightful knack for sunny but ska-infused pop on debut album Program 91.

These 20-something lasses have been crafting tunes since their mid-teens and the influences are clear to hear (although they've fervently denied references to The Slits, it's along the same vein). Their blend of leading lady Marie Amdam's sweet, sunny vocals and jangly guitars over fast-paced but no-fuss drums in opener Youth is the perfect introduction. This pattern repeats itself, somewhat a little tediously by album end, but on the whole the transitions from breathy Norwegian to clipped English are pretty adorable, and it's hard not to get on board with the sparse, surf rock guitars and ska beats.

Why We Have To Wait is a fun updated cover of Norwegian 1960s pop group The Pussycats, and it's all fun and frolic with an infectious chorus, cascading guitars and clean percussion. There's a bit more variety to be had in the more garage Vondt I Hjertet with some spacey offbeat snares and electric guitar noodling, and there's a bit more pout and less puff in the galloping two/four pop-punk number Nytt Pa Nytt.

These girls have found a winning formula, and hence, don't stray too wide of it. Album closer and acoustic noodler Walk In The Park proves there's more to be had from Razika when the reins are loosened and the pace relents.