Sondre Lerche & The Faces Down Quartet — Duper Sessions

While Norwegian pop phenom Sondre Lerche's new album has "crooner schtick" written all over it, Duper Sessions isn't nearly as heavy-handed or schlocky as, say, Robbie Williams' Swing When You're Winning or the Michael Buble catalogue. Lerche instead offers up his typically pristine pop songwriting (plus a selection of covers, including Cole Porter's "Night And Day") backed by a subtle lite jazz beat. Lerche certainly has the voice and charm to pull this kind of thing off, and his band are suitably skilled and effervescent. Lyrically it's not as compelling as Lerche's previous albums, but it makes for a pleasing and relaxing soundtrack to your Sunday morning coffee.