Harrys Gym

Norwegian pop group Harrys Gym formed in 2006 in the city of Bergen. The band consisted of singer/guitarist Anne Lise Frøkedal, keyboardist Erlend Ringseth, bassist Ole Myrvold, and drummer Bjarne Stensli, all of whom had previously played together in the band Dharma. Named after an abandoned fitness center located in the same building as their rehearsal space, the band incorporated elements of dream-pop, electronica, and more organic indie pop styles into their sound, identifying with the darkness of their country's long winters and what Frøkedal referred to as "Nordic melancholia." Their wintry tones were mixed with a hopefulness as well, which came across in Frøkedal's clear voice and strong, melodic songwriting. They released their self-titled debut in October 2008 after which they were quickly signed to Universal Records Norway. Working with British producer James Rutledge, they made their debut for Universal with 2011's What Was Ours Can't Be Yours, which would prove to be the band's final album. Frøkedal went on to join Oslo-based band I Was a King in 2012, and Harrys Gym announced their eventual breakup in January 2013.