Magnet's Opus: Even Johansen

Map It:  U Street-Cardozo 

EVEN JOHANSEN, AKA MAGNET, is one of the leading indie-pop talents in his home country of Norway, but, in four years of promoting records, has had a hard time appealing to the rest of his continental peers.

"In the United Kingdom, it's not so much about whether you can play or not; it's about whether you're wearing the right pants or not," he said.

But, for Magnet at least, there appears to be a musical connection between Norway and the United States, where his airy, atmospheric rock has built a consistently expanding fan base that's sure to widen even further with his newest effort, "The Simple Life" (Filter U.S.) a warmly inviting set of sunny, acoustic-focused rock that's sure to appeal to fans of Josh Rouse, Rufus Wainwright or Jason Falkner (with whom Johansen collaborated on his last record, 2005's "Tourniquet").

"In the United States, people are more open and seem to appreciate craftsmanship," Johansen said. "Fans seem open, and when someone seems honest about what they're doing, it's easier to connect here than in other places."

Not that Magnet is trying to court any specific type of fan. He's toured with the likes of Zero 7 and Royskopp, but Johansen doesn't ape those bands' trip-hop style; nor does he dwell in the weirdly eerie dream-pop of Doves, with whom he's also shared the stage.

Mostly, Magnet makes music for one person, and one person only.

"I don't spend too much time thinking about whom I'm talking to," he said. "I'm just trying to talk to myself."

That conversation gets a little less complicated on "The Simple Life." While bringing in more instrumentation, the "more organic" record eliminates heavy production work and complex programming, and doesn't shy away from some natural imperfections here and there. The result is catchy songs (check out "A Little Happier," "Slice of Heaven" and "Volatile") that are tonally intricate without all the frills and ornamentation that Johansen's previous albums dabbled in.

"Everything is a bit more played. It frees you up to focus on the songs," he said. "It opens it up to making sure everything you play fits. It's a bit more mindful."

With that sincere, thoughtful approach, Magnet is sure, in America, to become an even bigger attraction. Even throughout Europe.

» DC9, 1940 9th St. NW; with Evan Bliss & The Welchers, Thu., 9 p.m., $12; 202-483-5000. (U St.-Cardozo)

» Download free Magnet MP3s.

Photo courtesy Ink Tak PR