64revolt on tour in Italy:
04/24 - Rocket, Milano, Italy
04/25 - Al Confino, Cesena
04/26 - Cpa, Firenze
Opeth will be touring the US with Dream Theater and others as part of the "Progressive Nation" tour. Dates: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=10204
Dusted reviews the new Box album on Rune Grammofon: http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/4087
The NY Times reports on Robyn's NYC live debut: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/07/arts/music/07roby.html
The new Johnossi single "Party with my pain" is streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/johnossi
The band's new album "All they ever wanted" will be out soon.
Danish shoegazers Rumskib are working on a new record for release sometime this fall. The band is also trying to coordinate a short California tour for October and is seeking local bands to help out.
Almost every date for End of All's upcoming European tour have been confirmed: http://www.myspace.com/endofallsweden
The Swedish crust band plans to go into the studio this weekend to finish up work on their second album "The art of decadence" which should be out in time for the April tour.
As In RebekkaMaria's new album title has been revealed to be "Queen of France". As mentioned before, it will be released March 17 via A:Larm Music.
Posted today, a new interview with Andrea Kellerman aka Firefox AK: [click here]
Also, congratulations to Soeren Andersen for winning the "Winter rose" giveaway. I'll get your CD in the mail this weekend. Otherwise, thanks to everyone else for entering. Better luck next time!
MP3: Ståålfågel - Något senare...
Of all the Swedish postpunk acts that I have become acquainted with, Ståålfågel are by far the best example of what I consider to be "mutant pop". The fucked-up synthpunk sound of their 1980 self-titled debut is unrivaled. The use of drum machines give them a rigid, off-kilter sound similar to Devo, but with a different, angrier energy. Devo is fun, Ståålfågel not so much. This particular track I've posted today is awfully similar to The Bear Quartet's "The supremes" in that it starts off with near-unintelligible screaming before kicking off into the song. The BQ track is ultimately far, far harsher, but those first few seconds share an eerie resemblance. I doubt it's intentional, but it's definitely the first thing I thought of when I heard it. Anyhow, it's a great track so if you're even remotely curious about Swedish postpunk, I strongly suggest you check it out.
Ståålfågel - Något senare...
Pascal
Galgberget
Novoton
Ever since the 2006 debut "Förbi fabriken", this three-piece combo has been associated with The Jesus and Mary Chain and sure, I see where that's coming from. However, I'm more inclined to name The Cramps as a major influence. The naïve and primitive musical approach that is the trademark of said band is also a large part of Pascal and of "Galgberget" in particular. Each song featured is an attack that when combined, forms an unstoppable force of distortion, reverb and repeating lyrics. The lyrics are, in their simplicity, superb and maybe it's just because they are that simple, it makes them so good. For example, take the first tune "Stort och vackert" wherein they sing (translated) "I'm gonna build something big and beautiful/that I can crush you with." That right there are the only words to that song. The "less is more" device is integral to the whole record and I can cope with that. Especially when it's done this well! Dealing with love, suicide, Elvis ("Min enda vän"), the lyrics accompany the dark and sometimes gloomy music perfectly. And the cover of Judas Priest's "Painkiller" ("Smärtstillande") is awesome! If you're only gonna buy one Swedish punk rock album this year, be sure to buy this one. A good time is guaranteed.
- Jonas Appelqvist
Rumble in Rhodos has set "Intentions" as the title of their sophomore album, due out April 28. Go here for European tourdates: http://www.rumbleinrhodos.com/Sider/live.html
The Andreas Nilsson-directed video for the new Swingfly single "Winnter" is here: http://www.nixonnoxin.com/winner.htm
Swedish hip-hop artist Menteroja is streaming his new single "Street art" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/menteroja