Helén Eriksen – Standards

Helén Eriksen – Standards

A bold and genre-blurring statement from Norwegian saxophonist and vocalist Helén Eriksen, Standards takes its title in an ironic and artistic sense - less a collection of traditional jazz standards, and more a reimagining of what “standard” songwriting can mean in a modern, alternative jazz context.

Across the album, Eriksen blends smoky jazz textures, trip-hop influences, and minimalist arrangements with her distinctive alto saxophone voice and understated vocal delivery. The result is a deeply atmospheric record that moves between intimacy and tension, abstraction and melody. Short interlude pieces like the Loveskit series act as fragmented sketches, contrasting with fully formed songs that feel both introspective and rhythmically charged.

From the dark groove of Slaves to the reflective edge of Alone and the reinterpretation of What Is This Thing Called Love, this is an album that quietly resists categorisation while rewarding close listening.

Tracklist:

1 Holy Greed – 5:19
2 Loveskit #1 – 0:34
3 Arms Around You – 4:46
4 Slaves – 4:40
5 Alone – 4:48
6 Loveskit #2 – 0:32
7 City – 4:28
8 What Is This Thing Called Love – 4:43
9 Low Rain In Pain – 4:47
10 Loveskit #3 – 0:30
11 Cme Dme – 4:44
12 Shake My Hand – 4:36
13 The Do Don’t Die (X-Tro) – 3:45