were a Danish band founded in 1995 mainly by Katrine Stochholm and Henriette Sennenvaldt.

(Danish for "Below the City") were known for producing their own unorthodox interpretation of rock. They rarely use guitars. Instead their soundscape is dominated by piano, cello, violin, electrically distorted saw, organ, drums and percussion. They perform a somewhat different vein of rock (or pop) spiced up with jazzy, folky and classical elements. An important part of the music are also the poetic Danish lyrics which are presented to the listener by female vocals.

Under Byen

The 1999 debut album impressed music critics, who applauded the band for creating their own style and tone. The second album (2002), which translates to ‘it’s me who holds the trees together', was equally praised and has grown to be highly acclaimed. In 2004 it was re-released outside Denmark.

Under Byen

In 2004 the band remixed Rammstein's 2004 Single Ohne Dich.

Under Byen

In 2006 the band released their album to rave reviews.

Far from being a mainstream act has nevertheless attracted a growing devoted fanbase following the release of their two albums and intense live shows.

's influences are very diverse. Lead singer Henriette Sennenvaldt has been quoted as saying she was inspired by traffic. And if would be said to have a theme it would probably be water and harbours. They rarely cite any direct musical influences, but on occasion band members have expressed their fondness for artists such as Stina Nordenstam, Björk, Tori Amos, Sigur Rós, Tom Waits, Mogwai, Mark Hollis and Talk Talk.

In 2010 the band released their fourth album, Alt Er Tabt, which translates to "all is lost." The album was released on April 6 by Paper Bag Records.

Members

Henriette Sennenvaldt – vocals, lyricist

Rasmus Kjær Larsen – pianos

Nils Gröndahl – violin, saw, lapsteel, a variety of guitar pedals

Morten Larsen – drums

Sara Saxild – bass

Anders Stochholm – percussion, accordion, harmonica, guitar

Stine Sørensen – drums, percussion

Morten Svenstrup – cello

Former members

Katrine Stochholm – composer, melodica, backing vocals, piano, lyricist

Myrtha Wolf – cello

Thorbjørn Krogshede – composer, piano, bass clarinet

Discography

Albums

, 1999

Remix, 2001

, 2002

, soundtrack album, 2003

, 2006

, 2010

EPs

Puma, 1997

Live at Haldern Pop, 2004

Siamesisk, 2008

Protokol, 2013

Singles

"", 1998

References

External links

Official Website

Official MySpace Profile

Under Byen profile from Exclaim! magazine

Fan site

Photos from Knitting Factory show, 2007

Animation with Under Byen soundtrack

Acoustic Session with 'They Shoot Music - Don't They'

Danish post-rock groups

Musical groups established in 1995

Paper Bag Records artists