Youngblood has a new single called "Fists & blood" posted for streaming/free download: http://www.myspace.com/youngbloodhype
Scroll down below the player for the mp3.
Global Domination talks to Mika Luttinen of Impaled Nazarene: http://www.globaldomination.se/interviews/impaled-nazarene-mika-luttinen
Malmö-based indie act Emerald Park has a new track up on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/emeraldpark
MP3: Pascal - Smärtstillande
When Pascal's debut album "Förbi fabriken" was released, the PR machine wanted them to be heralded as noiserock saviors. It was suggested that this was the band that supposed the sweep away all the weak-ass bullshit to make way for some real rock'n'roll. Trouble was, said album was flat and lifeless and didn't much of anything except maybe ennui. Now with the release of sophomore album "Galgberget", Pascal actually does start to live up to the hyperbole. It's loud and raw and full of renewed vibrancy. But don't mistake squalls of feedback for a Jesus and Mary Chain soundalike - where as JAMC are cool and detached, Pascal are energized and engaged. One listen to the chorus of lead single "Längtar efter dig" will show you that.
The song I'm most interested in however, would have to be their cover of Judas Priest's "Painkiller", named here in Swedish as "Smärtstillande". They successfully manage to take one of Priest's heaviest tracks and completely rework it in their own style. It's got the same sinister vibe, but it's definitely not metal. Here I thought that Death's excellent version was the be all end all, but nope, I was wrong. Pascal makes it their own and in that process, transforms it into something extra special. Exceptionally well done.
Pascal - Smärtstillande
Scandinavian acts confirmed for this year's Coachella Fest include Shout Out Louds, I'm From Barcelona, Múm, Datarock, Jens Lekman, Turbonegro, 120 Days and The Field.
Hyacinth House
Black crows' country
True Music Production
Hyacinth House are not from the southern United States, though they work the sonic conventions of that region as though they were, hovering somewhere between Southern Gothic (though nowhere near as much as a band like Midnight Choir), Southern Folk (lots of banjo!), and plain old Southern Rock. There are even beards involved. They do it well. The songs are strong and evocative. But when push comes to shove, there's nothing particularly special about the record. If it's a sort of music you enjoy, they are surely one of its better practitioners, but if you aren't, this won't be the record that awakens you to its brilliance.
- Nancy Baym
Check out the Trentemøller remix of the new Kasper Bjørke single "Doesn't matter": http://www.myspace.com/trentemoeller
UK indie label Yesboyicecream will be releasing the new album "It's rag time!" from Norwegian "subversive nintendo-pop-baroque" act Soda Fountain Rag. Hear samples here: http://www.myspace.com/sodafountainrag
Vendlus are offering a special Valentine's Day deal for the new Umoral 7": http://www.vendlus.com/?p=43
A West Side Fabrication will be releasing new full-length albums from both Jupither and The Breeze The Breath this coming March. Details TBA.
This week's It's a Trap! Last.fm listening group top 10 tracks of the week:
01. Britta Persson - Cliffhanger
02. Firefox AK - Winter rose (ft. Tiger Lou)
03. Christian Kjellvander - Two Souls
04. Jens Lekman - The Opposite of Hallelujah
05. Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma
06. The National - Fake Empire
07. Band of Horses - The General Specific
08. Lykke Li - Little Bit
09. The Magnetic Fields - The Nun's Litany
10. Radiohead - 15 Step
Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Join us! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/
Stars in Coma's new album "You're still frozen in time" has been confirmed for a March 5 release via a collaboration between labels Plastilina Records and Music Is My Girlfriend. Said album will include a few tracks from past CDRs as well as new songs.
The tracklist for the upcoming Cardigans best-of double-disc collection is now online: http://www.cardigans.com/?sid=article&pid=read&id=9346
Live music with Florence Valentin at PSL: http://svt-psl.colo.netstar.se/default.aspx?entryID=418