Lorien

In February 1998 a multi-national indie rock outfit came together when three London College of Music enrollees—Fabio Ciarcelluti (b. Italy; vocals/guitar), Einar Tonsberg (b. 6 February 1973, Reykjavík, Iceland; guitar) and Carlo Polli (b. Weston-Super-Mare, Avon, England; drums)—began working as a unit. Based in London, the trio borrowed its name from the enchanted forest in J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Lord Of The Rings, an apt source for the swirling, atmospheric textures they pursued. Following a scant number of concerts, legendary UK manager Stevo made contact, leading swiftly to a recording agreement with the Instant Karma label. Their first single, ‘Shivering Sun’, appeared in October 2001 and drew enthusiastic coverage from a UK music press captivated by the band’s melancholic indie rock style. The next year’s Under The Waves was helmed by Manic Street Preachers associate Mike Hedges, yet glowing reviews failed to translate into the anticipated commercial breakthrough. The group disbanded soon afterward, after which Tonsberg issued solo recordings under the name Eberg.