Reykjavík Grapevine - des. 2020, Blaðsíða 18

Reykjavík Grapevine - des. 2020, Blaðsíða 18
18The Reykjavík Grapevine Issue 10— 2020 Ultraflex Just Wanna Have Fun The group talks their debut album, fashion, and what the future holds Words: Megan Massey Photo: OKAY KAYA Album Stream ‘Visions of Ultraflex’ on all platforms. Inspired by Soviet aerobics videos, Ultraflex’s debut album ‘Visions of Ultraflex’, is sure to get you up and moving. You only need to check out the band’s defining single “Work Out Tonight” to be lured into their pop disco world. This track is a certified bop, with its whirlwind of techno beats, groovy synths and dreamy vocals, plus the music vid- eo increases the amount of upbeat Soviet energy to a level almost off the scale. Reminiscent of an 80s home video, it offers a combination of cool irony and chic aesthetics, featuring cycling shorts, vintage track jackets, gym socks, neon high heels and blue eyeliner. The band’s too-cool attitude and detached fa- cial expressions will make you feel like you really are at the gym— you’ve never seen someone swim sarcastically in a lake until now. An album to sweat to Ultraflex is comprised of Katrín Helga Andrésdóttir (a.k.a. Special K and a member of Reykjavíkurdæ- tur) and Kari Jahnsen (a.k.a. Farao). The dynamic duo broke onto the scene in May with their dance debut “Olympic Sweat,” which, like “Work Out Tonight,” was ac- companied by an equally dance-y music vid. This single preced- ed the release of their debut LP which came out on October 30th. “I think our main goal was to have as much fun as possible,” Kari says. She’s all smiles, dressed in a comfy sweater: a toned-down ver- sion of the moody neon-clad sports star she portrays on film. “We de- cided we wanted to make danceable music, disco, club stuff; and for the visuals we had this idea to take in- spiration from soviet aerobic videos that I was hung up on at the time.” The pair admit they weren’t re- ally sure what to expect when they started this project, but they’re very pleased with the result. “It’s much better than we thought it would be,” Kari says. "It’s go- ing really well and we’re hav- ing a lot of fun with the project.” Working together The writing and recording pro- cess for ‘Visions of Ultraflex’ all happened before the pandemic hit, but many of the singles were released while Katrín was in Ice- land and Kari was in Germany. “I think we’ve done a really good job of working together from dif- ferent countries,” Katrín says. The pair explains that they hold daily Skype meetings each morn- ing. They clearly run a tight ship. “I think Katrín brings a lot of the humour, especially in the lyr- ics,” Kari says. (See the track “Full of Lust” for reference: “You’re not really my type but this is your night / Can’t find the guy that I like and you’re the second best.”) Kari also compliments her bandmate on her eye for visuals. Katrín has proven her talent for aesthetics in her solo projects, as well as with Ultraflex. “Kari is a producer and a very successful one,” says Katrín. “She’s a DJ and she DJs a lot of obscure disco.” Katrín describes Kari’s pro- duction as “musical joyfulness”. Holding a mug of warm oat-milk matcha in her hands, she adds that Kari is also the “master of matcha”. Ultraflex: fashion icons Collaborating comes easily to Kari and Katrín, who work together like spandex and leg-warmers. Speaking of spandex, fans have probably been wondering where Ultraflex sourced the iconic vintage clothes featured in their music videos. “Oh, we have done so much shopping,” Katrín says, naming HUMANA in Berlin as one of their favourite spots. Ul- traflex say they also borrowed a lot of clothes from the band CYBER, who are good friends of theirs. Favourite tracks and future plans When it comes to their favour- ite track on the album, Ultraf- lex ag ree on the a foremen- t ioned “Work O ut Ton ig ht.” “Production wise, ‘Work Out Tonight’ is my favourite,” Kari says. “The beat and the bass is just so good. It's just really groovy.” “If there’s one song that best describes Ultraf lex it ’s ‘Work Out Tonight,’” Katrín agrees. She also names “Man U Sheets” and “Papaya” as other favourites. In fact, ‘Visions of Ultraflex’ has so much vision that it’s no sur- prise the band are already work- ing on new music. “We have a new theme for our next album,” Katrín says. “I don’t know if we are gon- na—are we gonna reveal it, Kari?” Kari laughs and shakes her head. While we wait, fans of Ultraflex can look forward to more upcoming music videos from the band, who will be releasing a video for every song on ‘Visions of Ultraflex’. The leopard pu!n in its natural habitat Music gpv.is/music Share this + Archives Starts with a glass of Faustino sparkling wine Followed by 7 exciting christmas tapas And two delicious desserts 8.990 kr. per person Book your table at tapas.is TAPASBARINN CHRISTMAS MENU TAPASBARINN | Vesturgata 3B | Tel: 551 2344 “You’ve never seen someone swim sarcastically in a lake until now.”

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