MIC Norway catalogs the 18 Norwegian artists confirmed so far for SXSW: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2008021411415364575417
Danish act Mixtune For Cully has a new track on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mixtuneforcully
Their debut album is due out in October via Good Tape Records.
MP3: Ulf Ljusberg - Whatever was
I take the time to listen to everything that gets sent my way. It's simultaneously the best and worst part of running this website because, while most everything I get is at least listenable, it's definitely not all good. So even though I try my best to remain eternally optimistic, I approach each new promo with a bit of trepidation. The ones I fear the most? That would be the singer/songwriters, no question about it. Whenever I see an artist name instead of a moniker, I get a sense of dread because the potential for awfulness is so, so high, especially when you consider how many of those types work so hard to convey their deepest, most heartfelt sincerity in everything they do. It makes their failure ultimately so much more depressing. Luckily, today's mp3 comes from an artist who defies expectations and is actually pretty darn good. Ulf Ljusberg is a Swedish artist with a gentle, fingerpicking style somewhere between the low-key melancholy of José González and the progressive folk of Nicolai Dunger. Sometimes he's a bit too AOR for my tastes, but there's no denying his talent and I find this particular track "Whatever was" to be one of the standouts on his new EP "Unleash". It's not just melodically pleasing, it's also got an interesting rhythmic thing that sets it apart, thanks to percussionist Tobias Thun. It's not the sort of thing that'll make your jaw drop, but it did make me sit up and take notice because it's different. There's an understated beauty to it and I appreciate that. It makes it all worthwhile.
Ulf Ljusberg - Whatever was
Check out an e-card for Danish math/grind act A Kid Hereafter in the Grinding Light: http://mightymusic.dk/ecard/thegrindinglight/
Kasper Bjørke
In gumbo
Plant Music
Fun, big-beat pop/techno that won't change your life, but will at least put a smile on your face. As is typical for the genre, "In gumbo" doesn't work so well as an album as much as it is a decent collection of standalone tracks, lead single "Back & spine" being among the best. On that one Bjørke takes an approximation of the "Airworf" TV show theme in conjunction with lame electric guitar stabs and somehow makes it work. Illogical and unexpected, but true. Elsewhere, he struggles a bit harder to hold my attention, but even at his cheesiest (and oh my god, does it get cheesy), he never totally provokes my derision. That is, assuming I don't think too hard about it. So, while "In gumbo" has never been in danger of entering my regular rotation, I can definitely see myself dropping a track into a mix from time to time. That's enough to earn a reserved recommendation.
- Avi Roig
The new Tobias Fröberg album "Turn heads" is now confirmed for release on April 9. The first single is called "Slipping under the radar" and he will be touring the UK in May as support for Ane Brun. Hear a few songs at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tobiasfroberg
In related news, Swedish/American artist Theresa Andersson covers two of Tobias' songs on her new album "God's highway" and he also contributes lyrics to another four. I think that one will be out in spring.
SubSpace Communications has announced the signing of Swedish goth/electro act The Kick and will be releasing their debut single "The dancer" on March 2. Preview at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thekicksweden
Norwegian singer/songwriter Robert Post has a new track on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/robertpost
Look for his sophomore album in April.
The new Firefox AK album "If I were a melody" is now streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/firefoxak
Don't forget to also check my brief interview with Andrea Kellerman right here.
Danish noiserockers Marvins Revolt will tour the UK (and Ireland) in April. Preliminary dates at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/marvinsrevolt
Design blog Elliot Jay Stocks on the elegant packaging of Swedish label Kning Disk: http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/kning-disk-beautiful-swedish-design/
You can now stream I Am Bones' entire new album "The greater good" at this e-card: http://www.morningsiderecords.dk/iambones/ecard
Crowpath has booked time at Berno Studios in Malmö with engineer Andy Andersson for the recording of their next album. They expect to go in on May 2 to record a grand total of 11 songs. No word yet on a release date (obviously), but they are shooting for fall.
The 23 Seconds netlabel has a new release from Swedish artist Azoora: http://www.23seconds.org/
Paper Thin Walls talks to Swedish indie/soul act Wildbirds and Peacedrums: http://www.paperthinwalls.com/singlefile/item?id=1387