Pascal Pinon (band)

Pascal Pinon
Origin Iceland
Genres Folk pop, folktronica
Years active 2009 (2009)–present
Labels Morr Music
Associated acts Samaris
Website pascalpinon.com
Members Ásthildur Ákadóttir and Jófríður Ákadóttir

Pascal Pinon is a musical group from Reykjavík, Iceland and is composed of twin sisters Ásthildur and Jófríður Ákadóttir.[1]

History

The sisters formed the band in 2009, the name was a reference to early 20th century circus performer Pasqual Pinon.[1] The band originally also included two additional members, Halla and Kristín.[2] In 2010, they released their self-titled first album on the Morr Music label. It was recorded when they were 14 years of age and was entirely self-produced. It was described by Allmusic as “a truly lovely record”.[2][3]

Pascal Pinon in 2009

In January 2013 they released their second album, Twosomeness, produced by Alex Somers.[3] The album received an 8/10 rating from Clash, with writer Gareth James calling it “a rare and beautiful treat”, while it received four stars out of five from Allmusic writer Tim Sendra, who described the songs as “very magical and wrapped in warm, slightly sad mystery”.[4][5] Michael Cragg of The Guardian wrote “… these Icelandic twin sisters make gorgeously intimate songs…”[6] The group describes their music as “simple and honest, filled with both melancholy and optimism. We hope to make music that can inspire, soothe heartaches and warm you inside.”[7] Nico Muhly named them to his New York Times “Must List” of daily music, describing their music as “strangely catching.”[8]

In November 2015 Jófríður announced a new Pascal Pinon album (Sundur) that she described as "… raw and real, minimalistic and a bit melancholic… "[9][10] Tony Clayton-Lea in The Irish Times said that in Sundur " …the sisters manage to construct a minimal soundscape that is part sad dream, part tender magic…"[11] Derval McCloat described Sundur as " …a stirring account of humanity, love, loss, hope and, above all, sisterhood…" and "A series of magical moments at times shrouded in mystery, ‘Sundur’ gives us a glimpse into the secret world of siblings, a fascinating phenomenon that transcends the physical."[12][13]

The group has toured Europe multiple times (2010-2014, 2016), as well as performing in China (2011) and Japan (2012).

Pascal Pinon songs are sung in their native Icelandic language as well as English.[1] The sisters have cited Tegan and Sara, Björk, Joni Mitchell, and Sinead O'Connor as influences.[3][7] Jófríður Ákadóttir is the main songwriter and singer. She usually plays guitar. Ásthildur Ákadóttir usually sings harmony and plays various keyboards and guitar. They also have a “weak spot” for lo-fi music, cassette tape noise and toy synths.[7]

Jófríður is also the singer for the Icelandic techno group Samaris.[14] She also has a solo career, performing as JFDR. She has also contributed to many other musical projects, most notably Gangly.[15]

Discography

Albums

Singles, EPs

References

  1. 1 2 3 Monger, James Christopher "Pascal Pinon Biography", Allmusic. Retrieved 5 May 2013
  2. 1 2 Sendra, Tim "Pascal Pinon Review", Allmusic. Retrieved 5 May 2012
  3. 1 2 3 Lewis, Casey (2013) "Pascal Pinon Talk About Their New Album 'Twosomeness'", Teen Vogue. Retrieved 5 May 2013
  4. ↑ James, Gareth (2013) "Pascal Pinon - Twosomeness", Clash, 14 January 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2013
  5. ↑ Sendra, Tim "Twosomeness Review", Allmusic. Retrieved 5 May 2013
  6. ↑ Cragg, Michael "Pascal Pinon – Bloom: New music", The Guardian 7 May 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2013
  7. 1 2 3 Balitro, Polly ",Pascal Pinon Dreck Magazine 13 August 2013
  8. ↑ Muhly, Nico , New York Times, 16 October 2013
  9. ↑ http://grapevine.is/culture/music/2015/11/18/swimming-through-seasons-jofridur-akadottir-unveils-a-poetic-new-project/
  10. ↑ canyouearit.com/, 5 March 2016
  11. ↑ http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/album-reviews/pascal-pinon-sundur-review-part-sad-dream-part-tender-magic-1.2768408
  12. ↑ http://www.the-monitors.com/2016/09/05/far-away-so-close-pascal-pinon-sundur/
  13. ↑ https://dervswerve.wordpress.com/2016/09/05/pascal-pinon-sundur-apart-and-together/
  14. ↑ Schipani, Vanessa (26 May 2011). "Mad Scientist Samaris". The Reykjavík Grapevine (6 – 2011): 26. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  15. ↑ http://blog.kexp.org/2016/04/13/song-of-the-day-gangly-fuck-with-someone-else/
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