Hear This: Fever Dream - Soy Howser

Iceland’s Fever Dream describes herself as a fem-powered horror rapper, which might sound jarring at first, but her tracks end up being wildly accessible through catchy rhythmic wordplay and eclectic musical influences.

Image credit: Reykjavik Grapevine

You’ll find some atmospheric similarities to a group like Die Antwoord in her music, but while the former tends to pair dystopian vibes with a sense of erratic playfulness, Fever Dream instead pairs the darker productions with more seductive and chilled out grooves. The result? The Icelandic rapper finds a real sweet spot somewhere between familiar and fresh.

Her 2018 EP Nom De Guerre exemplifies the horror rap sound, but it’s the single ‘Soy Howser’ that both steals the show and highlights the young musician’s range. One aspect of modern rap that has a hard time attracting new fans is the oversimplified beats. If a droning loop over stuttering trap hi-hats isn’t your thing, fear not, as ‘Soy Howser’ is one of the more intricate and simply satisfying rap instrumentals that we've heard in a minute.

Slow rising synths are fused with touches of sax, which make the track’s cumulative sound reminiscent of glitch-hop gargantuans Big Gigantic. An oversized kick, which again can be jarring at times, isn’t only fitting but necessary, as it brings what could be considered a feel-good instrumental to the dark, compact clubs that Fever Dream thrives in. All of the above sets the sonic stage for Fever Dream's empowering vocals that challenge societies gender tropes. 

If you’re digging this video, check out the Nom De Guerre EP in full on either Soundcloud or Spotify. Additionally, Fever Dream just announced several tour dates across Europe, where she’ll be warming up for pop punk band Dream Wife. Dates below:

10.11 - Iceland Airwaves
15.11 - Stuttgart - Merlin
18.11 - Berlin - Musik & Frieden
19.11 - Hannover - LUX
21.11 - Bremen - Lagerhaus