“What we build is bigger than the sum of two,” sings the Norwegian duo, Kings of Convenience, on their newest release. This lyric rings true as the music, though sparse at times, feels lush with emotional minimalism. By invoking the harmonies reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel with sounds of the surf à la Jason Mraz, Declaration of Dependence is a volume of subdued yet alluring pop music.

Intricate finger picked guitars blend with the occasional naked piano line to strengthen the songs already modest arrangements. Just when you find yourself drifting away from the sparseness of it all, a cello and a winsome harmony slides into place then the album is over seemingly before it began. For those more lyrically inclined, the hushed simplicity of the music allows us to ponder every word. For everyone else, Declaration of Dependence is an earnest, reverential album to play softly in the foreground.