Norwegian duo channel vintage psychedelic tones into modern dream pop
My favorite vinyl record of 2026 so far? The debut album from Bergen-based duo Birgitta Alida Hole and Pablo Tellez (aka Date of Birth). The album is called Seashell Eyes and it blends Scandinavian indie, orchestral pop, and vintage ’60s psychedelic textures to create a layered timeless sound. It is one of those albums that transcend just a collection of songs… it’s a story told through 11 tracks. If you like bands like Tame Impala, Alvvays, Broadcast, or Melodies Echo Chamber, you’re going to love this record.
Seashell Eyes came together over a period of almost five years. What began as individual songs gradually evolved into a concept album, with each track becoming a different chapter in the same emotional world.
“The album explores themes of alienation, illness, grief, hope and resilience,” explains Birgitta when talking about the new record. “‘Sunshine Girl’ was the first song we wrote for the record. It was inspired by a conversation with a close friend living with a serious illness, and many of the ideas and emotions that first appeared in that song became the foundation for the album as a whole.”
“Musically, we were inspired by the orchestral and psychedelic pop of the ’60s and ’70s, as well as artists like Broadcast, Weyes Blood, The Beatles and The Beach Boys.” continues Birgitta. “We also love classical composers such as Bach and Debussy, whose influence can be heard throughout the album’s arrangements and harmonic language.”
Listen to the lead single, “Sunshine Girl” below. If you like what you hear (and I really can’t imagine why you wouldn’t) you should go support the band by purchasing the limited-edition album on vinyl at the Date Of Birth Bandcamp.
