Norway’s Permafrost Return in the Video for Their Summery Post-Punk Single “Wrong Heart”

Permafrost, a band formed in Molde, Norway, in 1982 by schoolmates Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu, has seen many changes over the years. Now, with Robert Heggdal and Daryl Bamonte (Depeche Mode, The Cure) in the lineup, they still dish out that genuine post-punk sound reminiscent of the early ’80s.

Now, Permafrost returns with a new single, Wrong Heart, leading up to their new album, The Light Coming Through, which will be unveiled in October this year. In addition to the single, Mental Overdrive (also known as Per Martinsen) has crafted a special remix for the release.

Many modern musicians attempt to capture that era, but Permafrost has actually lived through it. “Wrong Heart” has evolved into something both light and dark, resembling a sunset on a long summer day, with a bass-heavy post-punk track and shimmering ascending guitars. The song speaks of a new day’s dawn ahead, signaling change and reflection. As a person looks back on past errors, recognizing a misguided heart and its fallout. A blackbird on the single’s artwork stands for renewal, shedding its outer layer. The plaintive refrain drives home the lesson learned as a consequence.

In a twist against the song’s dark tone, the video follows four young girls on an adventure – where Permafrost envisions themselves as a girl band ‘in another dimension’:

“In this reality they are planning to create a music video. They have to drag their equipment into the forest to get to the preferred spot, making it into a road movie with a lot of obstacles on the way – like grazing sheep and deer in the blossoming Norwegian nature. When they finally arrive at the spot and want to start playing, the song finishes.  All that work for nothing.”

(Tell that to the goats! They seem to be enjoying this little concert!)

Taking their name from a Magazine song, Permafrost found their sound influence in bands like Joy Division, Pere Ubu, Yello, Fad Gadget, The Cure, Talking Heads, The Residents, Wire, and Wolfgang Press.

Permafrost has built an impressive discography over the years. They debuted with the ‘Godtment’ EP in 1983, released on a limited edition of 50 numbered cassettes. In 2019, they followed up with the ‘Permafrost’ EP on vinyl, to critical acclaim.

Listen to Wrong Heart below, as well as the remix from Mental Overdrive.

The Light Coming Through is due to release this 11^th October. 

Follow Permafrost:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Spotify
• Soundcloud