Fra Lippo Lippi, a Finnish new‑wave and rock group formed in 1980 in Nesodden, Norway, began with Rune Kristoffersen, Morten Sjøberg and Bjørn Sorknes. The trio released the instrumental EP Tap Dance for Scientists that year, then In Silence (1981) on Uniton Records, gaining favourable reviews across Europe. In 1982 Per Øystein Sørensen joined as lead vocalist; the quartet issued "The Treasure" ahead of Small Mercies (1983), marking a shift to a more melodic, piano‑driven sound. The 1985 album Songs was recorded at Polar Studios, sold 5,000 copies in Norway without promotion, and its international re‑issue (1986) featured the single "Shouldn't Have to Be Like That" that reached Number 81 in the United Kingdom. In 1987 the band released Light and Shade in Los Angeles with Walter Becker, followed by The Colour Album (1989) on The Record Station. After independent releases, Dreams (1992) and the compilation The Best of Fra Lippo Lippi '85–'95 (1995) were issued. Rune Kristoffersen retired in 2002, leaving Per Øystein Sørensen as the sole member; the 2002 album In a Brilliant White and subsequent solo work continued under the Fra Lippo Lippi name.
