Swedish experimental/electronic artist Viktor Sjöberg has posted a new mix for download: http://elefanten.blogspot.com/2006/05/elefanten-sonores-mix3.html
I have yet to check it out myself (downloading now, queueing up for later), but Viktor's new album is damn good so I expect high quality sounds. Speaking of which, I just received a few copies for resale, so check it out: [click here]
I'll try to get some mp3 samples posted soon.
Getecho on Swedish post-rockers Jeniferever: http://getecho.blogspot.com/2006/05/choose-bright-morning.html
Lupatarkastaja on Finnish synthpop act I Was A Teenage Satan Worshipper and their song "Tampere kicks": http://lupatarkastaja.samizdat.info/2006/05/13/i-was-a-teenage-satan-worshipper-tampere-kicks-mp3/
Not all that surprising considering the way things were going, but drummer Martin Lopez has officially quit Opeth. Read the full statement at Lambgoat: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=6739
Speaking of drummers bailing, Peter Stjärnvind has left Entombed. Olle Dahlstedt of Alpha Safari will be filling in on all upcoming live show.
Aversionline on Closer and the "Tokpela" EP: http://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2006/05/soon-your-world-will-turn-to-grey.html
Andrew and I both are totally 100% on the same page with this band. Amazing stuff and well worth the price.
Nicolai Dunger's latest album "Sjunger Edith Södergran" will be made available in the US as a paid download on June 27 via EMI. I suppose this is a way to test the waters before doing a full CD release? Not that I'd expect one for such an overwhelming Swede-centric record.
Carpark North, Denmark's answer to um... I guess maybe The Bravery, will have their song "Homeland" featured during a pivotal scene in the upcoming episode of "Alias" to be aired this Wednesday at 8pm on ABC. Their big break in the US? Sure, why not. I really liked Carpark North's first single, but beware: the full album is booooring.
My good friends, Umeå-based indierockers KVLR, will enter the studio next week to record basic tracks for the first three songs of their new album. They say the material is very varied and different, so expect greatness.
MP3: Zero 7 - Futures
Up until very recently all I know about Zero 7 was that they helped launch the career of Danish singer/songwriter Tina Dico. Or so she would have you believe at least - she sure milks her contributions in her press materials. I can't say I know much more about 'em now either, but I do know this: José González makes numerous guest appearances on their new album "The garden". Really, that's all I need because I've only been waiting two years or so for new José material. Zero 7's chill, downtempo electronica blends nicely with José's soft voice and gentle fingerpicking. It's not quite dentist office music, but it's definitely in the realm of AM gold ala Cat Stevens. Honestly, I don't think that's such a bad thing and the rest of the record feels pretty similar even though they change up the vocals quite a bit. An aside: I know I'm kind of late to the game with talking about this record (do a quick google search and you'll see it's been blogged to death), but it doesn't come out until June 6. Nice to see that some people still believe in long lead times. It's also worth noting that José will tour with them in the UK around late May/early June. I'd post the dates, but Zero 7's website is an abomination of flash design.
Zero 7 - Futures (ft. José González)
My apologies for the recent downtime - my server just had a faulty component replaced, so hopefully all is well now.
Copies of the brand new Audrey album "Visible forms" just arrived on my doorstep! Buy it now: [click here]
Also just added to the store today is the debut release from Danish singer/songwriter Rasmus Helner. Check it: [click here]
Check out some live video footage of Datarock in London: http://www.theluminaire.co.uk/images/MVI_2601.AVI
US label Toy Records has licensed Finnish psych-rockers The Scaramangas' album "All is good now" for release over in their part of the world. Check it: http://www.toyrecords.com/