First
band from
Iceland to make an impact internationally before the advent of the
Sugarcubes. Founded in 1979 by four teenagers from
Reykjavik, Gunnarsson, Karlsson, Ásmundsson and Briem pretty quickly hit international stardom with their club hit
Garden Party in 1982. During their now twentyfour years of bandhistory the band experimented with
fusion,
Jazzfunk and even a bit of
soul.
Most tracks were instrumentals, but with strong melodies, that let you hum most of their tracks after hearing them for the first time. All Mezzoforte tracks are characterized by an emphasis on funky basslines with plenty of slapping and popping going on and meticulously arranged brass. On the earlier records you might find a bit of annoying choral "lalalala" going on in the background, but that's the early eighties for you.
Albums to check out: Surprise Surprise (1982), Observations (1984), No limits (1986) and Monkey Fields (1996).
Mezzoforte has changed its lineup quite considerably over the years, but in 2002 they are apparently still around, planning the next album.
Discography
- Mezzoforte (1979)
- Octopus / i hakanam(1980)
- Thvilikt og annad eins (1981)
- Surprise Surprise (1982)
- Sprelllifandi (1983)
- Catching up with Mezzoforte (1984)
- Observations (1984)
- Rising (1985)
- The Saga So Far (1985)
- No Limits (1986)
- Playing for time (1989)
- Fortissimos (1991)
- Daybreak (1994)
- Monkey Fields (1996)
- Garden Party Time (1999
- Mezzoforte Best Collection (Japan Only)
- the very best of mezzoforte