Formed in 2001 with roots in sleepy Swedish town Sandviken, Amandine played as 'Wichita Linemen' for 3 years. After line-up changes and relocation to the vibrant musical city Umeå, Singer/Guitarrist Olof Gidlöf and John Andersson (piano/accordian) was joined by a drummer and a bassplayer, both named Andreas. Sharing common musical ideas, the former side project took wings and in autumn 2004 the band moved south to Malmö, renamed themselves Amandine, and signed with Brighton based label FatCat records (Sigúr Rós, Múm, Animal Collective).
Shortly after, sessions for what would become the debut album commenced in Maraccas studio with help from long time producer Ove Andersson. Taking in swedish folk themes and paring them with trad. Americana sounds, the album presented a band eager to delve deep into slow, sad and lyrically poised songwriting. “This Is Where Our Hearts Collide" was released November 2005 to critical acclaim. Touring in both Europe and the U.S. followed and the band returned to Gävle for christmas to record new tracks. Those ended up on a new EP "Leave out the sad parts", released in March 2006. The same month also saw the addition of violinist Kristina Lundin, who joined shortly before a great nationwide US tour supporting Sub Pop..s Fruit Bats.
After spending summer recording the second album in a log cabin outside the remote village of Ratu Sweden, the band took a break in the process when the European version of the ep "Waiting For The Light To Find Us" arrived in October. Coinciding with this was another European tour, this time taking in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, England & Holland. After the tour, finishing touches was made on the new album and after some delay, the follow up; "Solace in Sore Hands" was presented in April. Still based around alt. Country, violin parts by new member Kristina Lundin ensured the band could further push swedish folk music into the mix. This recording process relied heavily on live taping and the new tracks featured a couple of rockier numbers often performed live. Response was positive and with a new album in their pockets Amandine again toured Europe in April 2007. After this tour the members took a short break and then starting work on new songs, squeezing in their first apperance in neighbouring Denmark. After building up experience and gear over the years, the bold plan was now to produce the third record themselves. New tours around Europe followed in 2007 and 2008.
Thanx a lot for the friendship! Keep up the good work! And let your soul be your pilot - today, tommorow, always! From Russia with love... MAX DMITRIEFF, singer & songwriter www.myspace.com/KatherinesFavorites
I've just been playing your first two records plus the Waiting EP. Your music is so beautifully well crafted and performed. I saw you when you played in London with Lisa Germano (who didn't perform) - I went to see Lisa and had never heard of you. I'm so glad I did because you are now my favourite band alongside Australia's The Church. Thanks so much for your music and when are we going to see you again in the UK.
Hey again my other Amandine friends. What's new about you ? I definitely have to buy your cd (still don't have ... sorry). About my French Amandine friend, I write an article about her on my blog and put a video on which you could hear her sing "Knockin' on heaven's door" (about 2.05 minutes after the beginning ...) and I would like very much to see you put a comment about it and I thank you in advance for doing so. Here is a link : http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=364306410&blogId=474621986 I wish you the best; hoping to hear from you. Regards from Toulouse (France)... (which by the way is also Amandine's town !) Nathalie*
thanks amandine... but I'm not from Iceland... ;) Takk is the only word I know in icelandic language. Just I like Iceland and their music, especially Sigur Rós!
Happy new year to you "my other" Amandine friend in space ! I wish 2009 brings you everything you want for you and those you care for. Best wishes from France ! Nathalie*
